Magic Coach Jamahl Mosley Explains Game 3 Starting Lineup Change

Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley changed his starting lineup, and it paid off in the Game 3 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic are now 15-3 when Jalen Suggs, Gary Harris, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. start alongside each other.

In the first two games of their series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jonathan Isaac started for Carter Jr., and it led to dissatisfactory results. However, moving back to his most successful starting five for the season was the right move for Game 3.

"I thought he did a great job out there," coach Jamahl Mosley said of Carter Jr. "A lot of his stuff doesn't show up on the stat sheet, but I think he did a great job battling on the boards, keeping Jarrett [Allen] off the glass a little bit, being physical in his hits. I think he did a fantastic job."

Carter Jr. only scored two points and grabbed five rebounds, but his defensive presence was felt and it changed how the Cavaliers played. They weren't able to react to the adjustment, which led to the blowout victory from the Magic.

Orlando has been consistent all year in its message — winning by committee. And it's clear that the message has rung true when it matters the most.

Carter Jr. is likely to remain in the starting lineup for Game 4, which tips off Saturday at 1 p.m. ET.

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• STARTING 5 CHANGES: The Orlando Magic made a change to the starting lineup, inserting Wendell Carter Jr. in for Jonathan Isaac. CLICK HERE

• JOB'S NOT FINISHED: The Orlando Magic have bigger goals in mind after winning Game 3 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. CLICK HERE

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