A feel-good story happened during the Orlando Magic’s latest victory over the Boston Celtics. Jonathan Issac returned to play in an NBA game for the Magic for the first time in 2.5 years. His return to the lineup gave the Magic a major boost. The Magic defeated the Celtics 113-98. Issac spoke postgame about his return and his gratitude to the Orlando Magic for sticking with him through his injury.
comeback > setback pic.twitter.com/uuIdGQjHRA
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 24, 2023
“Much love to the Magic for sticking with me,” Isaac said. “And the Magic fans were excited, so I was just trying to bottle all that up in one moment. It was surreal.”
go inside the locker room after the dub in @JJudahIsaac's return 🪄 pic.twitter.com/IshGyUOnFs
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 24, 2023
Paolo Banchero scored 23 points on 7-for-13 shooting. Banchero knocked down 3-for-5 from the three-point line. He knocked down 6-for-9 from the free-throw line. Banchero also grabbed five rebounds and dished out two assists. Celtics’ Forward Jayson Tatum had high praise for Paolo Banchero’s postgame.
"Jonathan (Isaac) was one of the first guys to text my phone after I was drafted here. He's been a huge leader in the locker room for everybody, a positive voice, sending messages to the group chat… All the little things he does as a teammate."
🎙@Pp_doesit@OrlandoMagic pic.twitter.com/XPyCzvdiBs
— Bally Sports Florida: Magic (@BallyMagic) January 24, 2023
“He’s probably the Rookie of the Year and he’s getting better every month,” Tatum said.
spot up p5@Pp_doesit pic.twitter.com/aKZryI6IJN
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 24, 2023
More Magic Contributions
- Wendell Carter, Jr. scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
- Franz Wagner scored 15 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out six assists.
- Cole Anthony scored 18 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out four assists off the bench.
- Jonathan Issac scored 10 points and grabbed three rebounds off the bench.
The Orlando Magic face the Indiana Pacers in their next game on Wednesday, 1/25/23. Tip-off from the Amway Center is at 7 pm Eastern.
