Jalen Suggs on Tuesday returned from a 10-game absence and helped the Orlando Magic defeat the struggling Cleveland Cavaliers to snap a six-game losing streak.
Suggs recorded four points, two assists, one rebound, one steal and one blocked shot in 18 minutes during the 120-115 victory. He went 2-of-5 from the field as the Magic opted to ease him back into action with a minutes restriction.
The fifth pick last played on March 13 after suffering a right ankle bone bruise. The injury came as Suggs battled through a sprain on the same ankle during the early part of the month. He wasn’t sure if he’d return this season, but was ecstatic to get back out onto the court.
It was amazing. I was a little jittery getting back out there. It feels like it has been forever since I played 5-on-5 and then not knowing if I was going to come back at the end of the season. I was just grateful, really happy especially to get the win, that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day.
Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley opted to insert Suggs back into the starting lineup versus the Cavaliers. But with starter Cole Anthony nursing a toe injury, Mosley switched up his backcourt pairing and elected to give Markelle Fultz his first start of the season.
Markelle Fultz last night:
16 PTS
6 AST
8-12 FG
24 MIN pic.twitter.com/2hCrwARd0G— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 6, 2022
Of course, Fultz made his season debut on Feb. 28 after missing over a year of action due to a torn ACL. He produced 16 points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals in a season-high 24 minutes of action to lead the Magic to the win.
The former No. 1 pick has performed well as of late, averaging 14.2 points, 5.5 assists, 2.5 rebounds and two steals over his last six games. Fultz has often been commended by his teammates for how efficiently he can run the offense while also creating for himself.
Suggs has learned quite a bit by watching Fultz this season.
He makes things so easy. I’ve been able to sit and learn from him the past 7-8 games. I think just the pace he plays at and the way he gets to his spots and pullups at his own time and is never rushed, we’ve really been dissecting the game and working with each other off the court and I think it has helped me big time. … I can’t wait to get back out there with him again and start getting comfortable and really get this thing rolling. He is a heck of a player and really fun to play aside.
With Suggs back from injury, the 20-year-old will have the opportunity to play the final two games of the season. His rookie campaign has been marred by various injuries but the final two contests will give him the chance to build positive momentum heading into the season.
The backcourt duo of Suggs and Fultz could be a preview of the future. Of course, the starting lineup next season is far from decided but Fultz sees what Suggs brings to the court on a nightly basis for the Magic.
“I think another strong guard,” Fultz said. “I see the work he puts in outside of the gym. He can defend multiple positions but on the other end, can push the pace, get into the paint, mid-range. I think it is going to be something fun to watch in the future.”
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
[lawrence-related id=48473,47388,49107]
[mm-video type=video id=01fzxs7brvq6hn1b2286 playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fzxs7brvq6hn1b2286/01fzxs7brvq6hn1b2286-1dfcd168c99f981b53adcfdde2ee2241.jpg]
[listicle id=73494]