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MINNEAPOLIS — The lone member of the Magic who is neither on Instagram nor X, Caleb Houstan isn’t exactly the loudest player in the locker room.
But Friday night at Minnesota, Houstan let his long-range shooting speak for itself.
Although Jamahl Mosley‘s squad fell 118-111 against the Timberwolves, it was often Houstan who helped Orlando remain competitive throughout the night when he shot 6-for-8 from beyond the arc, marking a season-high 18 points.
“He was just himself out there,” Magic forward Paolo Banchero said of his fellow 2022 draft pick. “He’s always poised, under control and takes the shots when they’re open. He had it going, made some huge 3s and kept us in the game.”
While everything was clicking for Houstan on Friday night, his season hasn’t gone as smoothly.
Starting the year on Mosley’s third unit, Houstan played limited minutes in just 20 of the first 33 games while recording 11 healthy scratches — aka DNP-coach’s decision.
It wasn’t until the injury bug caught up to the Magic in January when Houstan’s role increased. Appearing in 13 straight contests with 5 starts, he averaged 22.3 minutes before not seeing the court in 11 of the next 17 games as the Magic roster regained strength.
But whether he’s playing for Orlando or spending time on assignment in the G League with Osceola (something he did three times in December), Houstan remains committed to improving his game as a young 3-and-D prospect.
“The kid works,” Mosley said. “And I say this with no hesitation: He might be one of the hardest workers I’ve seen. This kid is in early, stays late, comes back, works on his shot. … He is determined. He is focused. He’s a pro. He stays ready no matter if his number is called for two minutes or 22 minutes.
“He’s going to stay ready and that’s what you’ve got to love about him and the way he represents being a professional,” the Magic coach added.
After loss at Wolves, Magic travel to league-best Cavs as regular season winds down
To no surprise, Houstan appreciated the high praise from his coach.
“That’s a great compliment to have,” he said. “It’s something that I definitely do a lot. It feels good.”
It’s that level of work that has allowed Houstan to creep back into Orlando’s rotation in the final stretch of the regular season.
Joining the second unit in five straight contests entering Sunday’s matchup at No. 1 Cleveland, Houstan has quietly shot 35.5% on 2.5 attempts from 3-point range during 44 games this season. It’s the second-best long-range percentage on the team.
But knowing him, the work won’t stop.
“It’s always good to have a good game,” Houstan said of Friday’s performance. “Regardless if I’m playing or not, I have confidence in myself in what I can do.”
Jason Beede can be reached at [email protected]
Continue reading...
But Friday night at Minnesota, Houstan let his long-range shooting speak for itself.
Although Jamahl Mosley‘s squad fell 118-111 against the Timberwolves, it was often Houstan who helped Orlando remain competitive throughout the night when he shot 6-for-8 from beyond the arc, marking a season-high 18 points.
“He was just himself out there,” Magic forward Paolo Banchero said of his fellow 2022 draft pick. “He’s always poised, under control and takes the shots when they’re open. He had it going, made some huge 3s and kept us in the game.”
While everything was clicking for Houstan on Friday night, his season hasn’t gone as smoothly.
Starting the year on Mosley’s third unit, Houstan played limited minutes in just 20 of the first 33 games while recording 11 healthy scratches — aka DNP-coach’s decision.
It wasn’t until the injury bug caught up to the Magic in January when Houstan’s role increased. Appearing in 13 straight contests with 5 starts, he averaged 22.3 minutes before not seeing the court in 11 of the next 17 games as the Magic roster regained strength.
But whether he’s playing for Orlando or spending time on assignment in the G League with Osceola (something he did three times in December), Houstan remains committed to improving his game as a young 3-and-D prospect.
“The kid works,” Mosley said. “And I say this with no hesitation: He might be one of the hardest workers I’ve seen. This kid is in early, stays late, comes back, works on his shot. … He is determined. He is focused. He’s a pro. He stays ready no matter if his number is called for two minutes or 22 minutes.
“He’s going to stay ready and that’s what you’ve got to love about him and the way he represents being a professional,” the Magic coach added.
After loss at Wolves, Magic travel to league-best Cavs as regular season winds down
To no surprise, Houstan appreciated the high praise from his coach.
“That’s a great compliment to have,” he said. “It’s something that I definitely do a lot. It feels good.”
It’s that level of work that has allowed Houstan to creep back into Orlando’s rotation in the final stretch of the regular season.
Joining the second unit in five straight contests entering Sunday’s matchup at No. 1 Cleveland, Houstan has quietly shot 35.5% on 2.5 attempts from 3-point range during 44 games this season. It’s the second-best long-range percentage on the team.
But knowing him, the work won’t stop.
“It’s always good to have a good game,” Houstan said of Friday’s performance. “Regardless if I’m playing or not, I have confidence in myself in what I can do.”
Jason Beede can be reached at [email protected]
Continue reading...
