After a 14-point victory over Houston to open the summer schedule on Thursday, Jesse Murmuys, the Magic’s summer league coach, was aware that Orlando would face challenges.
Although the Magic had largely encountered little opposition, they did permit the Rockets to reenter the game early in the fourth.
Knowing this, Murmuys advised the Magic not to give up late in their 94-92 double-overtime victory over the Sacramento Kings during Friday’s film session and Saturday’s pregame.
Murmuys stated, “I was trying to explain to them that the NBA game is never over.
Even he couldn’t have predicted how the Magic would learn that lesson against the Kings.
After struggling on offense and allowing Sacramento to score 6 points in the final six seconds of regulation to force overtime, the Magic blew a game-high 16-point lead in the middle of the fourth quarter.
To force a second overtime, Devin Cannady had to make three three-pointers with 6.2 seconds remaining in the first overtime.
Finally, Paolo Banchero had to make two crucial plays in the second overtime to decide the outcome of the game. He had to stop Neemias Queta from attempting an alley-oop and pass the ball to Emanuel Terry, who made the game-winning layup.
You can talk about those situations all you want, but you have to experience them firsthand to fully grasp the execution required to overcome them and prevail.
Cannady said, “You really can’t simulate those things in practice.” In the end, you need to determine what kind of group you have to handle situations like that. We handled it well.
Murmuys was impressed by the Magic’s ability to stick together despite blowing the lead and not let previous disappointments influence the next play, which is essential in the NBA where teams can go on big runs at any time.
Murmuys cited Terry’s missed free throws in the first overtime, which Terry made a game-ending block to end. “An example I talked about with Terry was he missed those two free throws [in the first overtime], and I know he was hurting about,” said Murmuys. “The next play and having the mental toughness are important. He blocks a crucial shot and makes the game-winning shot. That is the method you must use. All those young guys will learn a lot from that experience. Any night could bring anything.
Even though it was in summer league, Banchero’s first time having to perform under pressure at the NBA level was on Saturday.
He performed admirably in circumstances that, in his opinion, will be beneficial to him in the long run.
When asked how Saturday’s experience will benefit, Banchero replied, “A lot because there’s added intensity and pressure.” It is what you imagine. It’s what I search for in a place where the entire crowd is focused on you.
The Magic’s next summer league game is against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday at 9 p.m. (ESPN), and then they play the New York Knicks on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. (NBA TV).
