Magic PG Markelle Fultz Showcases 'High Ceiling' in Win vs. Clippers
The Orlando Magic defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 113-108 on the road behind a career-high 28 points from Markelle Fultz.
"I feel like I have a high ceiling, I have so much room to grow," Fultz said. "Everyday, I'm just trying to get a little bit better and compete to help his team win."
But of course, there is room to grow. Even after a career performance, Fultz thinks he can be even better.
When asked how he would grade his performance against the Clippers, Fultz gave himself an 'eight,' citing a few bad fouls and missed rotations as hindrances to a perfect grade. He also made note of how he's focused on getting better every day, which has shown throughout the year.
“I’m so proud of this young man," head coach Jamahl Mosley said regarding Fultz. "You see there’s such a level of joy in his heart for playing the game of basketball. That’s what shows up."
Away from the numbers, Fultz has shown discernible growth from a qualitative standpoint in all 49 games that he's played thus far. His ability to drive the basketball and finish in a variety of ways around the rim has been encouraging to watch. Against the Clippers, as well as Orlando's loss to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, Fultz made the most of his 6-4 frame, muscling guards Chris Paul, Cam Payne and Russell Westbrook inside for easy hook shots and layups at point-blank range.
Fultz has also gotten a hold of the pull-up jumper -- a facet of his game which he excelled at during his collegiate career at the University of Washington, garnering him such hype in the first place. His ability to weave through the screen-and-roll or operate in isolation and stop on a dime at the elbow has added a consistent element to the Magic's offense.
The numbers back up Fultz's comments, as well as the eye test, as the veteran shoots 53.1 percent from the field in isolation and 48.6 percent from the floor as the pick-and-roll ball handler.
His career bests in every major statistical category, save free throw percentage, are sure to earn Fultz a well-earned payday and security as the point guard of the future for the Magic should the positive trend of his production continue.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Magic? Click Here.
Follow The Magic Insider on Facebook.
Follow The Magic Insider on Twitter.
Want even more Orlando Magic news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
