The Orlando Magic came up short in a 109-97 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, and head coach Jamahl Mosley centered his postgame message on execution in key moments.
“Yeah, I saw a lot of fight. That was the first thing I saw,” Mosley said. “Second thing, you talk about the game being in the margins.”
Orlando stayed within striking distance for most of the night, but late-game efficiency separated the teams.
“I think we did a better job there down the stretch, containing Maxey,” Mosley said. “He took 25 shots to get 31. I think it was just the others that stepped in, made some big time shots.”
The Magic shot 41% from the field and just 26% from three, while Philadelphia capitalized with timely scoring from multiple players.
“Just being able to knock a couple shots down down the stretch wasn’t there,” Mosley said. “As well as, we got to make sure we step in and knock down our free throws.”
Turnovers also proved costly, especially during momentum swings in the second half.
“You know, 15 turnovers for 15 points. That’s the game right there,” Mosley said. “They turned it over 11 for 11 points. We turned it over 15 for 15 points. And that’s the difference in the game.”
The contest featured multiple runs, but Orlando struggled to sustain momentum when opportunities arose.
“It was that one costly turnover in the moment when you’re making a run,” Mosley said. “A missed shot that leads to a run out. Those are things within the game.”
Despite the loss, Mosley emphasized that his group generated quality looks offensively.
“I don’t think it was the movement,” he said. “I think we had some great looks… and I think those go down. That’s the difference.”
Orlando’s offensive approach also faced resistance inside, particularly when trying to establish Paolo Banchero.
“They did a great job of trying to keep him out of the paint,” Mosley said. “When he did have the ball, they were swarming.”
The Magic’s spacing and decision-making will be key adjustments moving forward.
“We got to continue to do a good job of putting space around him as he gets downhill and then being able to spray it out after that,” Mosley said.
With the loss, Orlando now faces an elimination game at home against Charlotte for the No. 8 seed.
“This is the one game that we’ve got to make sure we go home and take care of,” Mosley said. “Our fans are going to be there ready to go supporting us.”
Mosley acknowledged the disappointment but stressed the opportunity ahead.
“I don’t think anybody’s in the locker room happy,” he said. “But at the end of the day, you have another opportunity.”
The focus now shifts to execution under pressure, with Mosley reinforcing the importance of fundamentals.
“You win the possessions by taking care of the basketball, by knocking down your free throws, and then rebounding the basketball,” he said.
