Magic hold on to win in Chicago as Harris returns
JASON BEEDE Orlando Sentinel
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CHICAGO — The Magic received positive player availability news prior to Wednesday’s 96-94 victory against the Bulls at United Center.
Veteran sharpshooter Gary Harris, who missed the past five games due to a right groin strain, was available again for Orlando.
Harris had 6 points and 2 steals in 21 minutes for the Magic (6-5), who won on Paolo Banchero’s 7-foot jumper from the middle with under 2 seconds to go.
Banchero finished with a team-high 17 points as one of five Orlando players to finish with double digits in points.
Coach Jamahl Mosley said Harris offers the team the stability of an experienced player, solid defense and accurate shooting when he’s on the court for the Magic.
“He provides that defensive effort that we need off the bench,” Mosley said. “The other side of it, he provides shooting [with] his ability to space the floor and find open pockets to get his shot off.”
In the first five games of the season prior to suffering his injury, Harris averaged 8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 17.8 minutes. He shot 50% (9 of 18) from 3-point range, which is well above the team’s average (33%) from distance.
Mosley said prior to Wednesday’s game that Orlando would be smart with how much he played against the Bulls as he returns to the court.
As Harris missed time, the Magic relied another veteran on the roster to provide stability while on the court with the second unit.
Against the Nets on Tuesday, newcomer Joe Ingles posted a season-high 11 points as he was perfect (3 of 3) from beyond the arc with another 2-point basket.
Although it’s taken longer than expected for Ingles to find his shot with the Magic — he’s a career 40% 3-point shooter but making just 33% so far — he delivers more than just his long-range accuracy to the team.
Ingles regularly offers advice to younger teammates such as rookie Anthony Black and he isn’t afraid to speak his mind to his teammates.
“He can knock down shots,” Mosley said about Ingles after the Magic fell by 20 in Brooklyn. “He settles the floor down, he’s able to get guys in position and make the right play.
“That’s what he’s brought to this team. Other than leadership in the locker room, it’s also the calm he brings on the floor. Seeing him have shots go down was a great sign as we continue to move forward.”
Although Harris was able to return against the Bulls, regular starting point guard Markelle Fultz (left knee tendinitis) missed his third straight and sixth overall game of the season.
Mosley said pregame Wednesday that Fultz is still being monitored and the team will continue to keep a close eye on him.
The Magic will stay in Chicago and face the Bulls again Friday (Bally Sports Florida, 8) in their second group-play game of the In-Season Tournament.
