Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Mario Hezonja

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 27, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (8) shoots as Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) defends at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Magic 131-112. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (8) shoots as Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) defends at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Magic 131-112. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next

Best Game of 2017

Nov. 5 vs. Washington Wizards
9 points, 4/9 field goals

The stat line for Mario Hezonja in perhaps his best game of the season is not overly impressive. His season-high for the year — 13 points — came in an early season game against the Detroit Pistons — a nearly 30-point loss.

There were not a lot of bright moments for Hezonja.

This early season victory over the Washington Wizards proved to be one of the few.

At this point of the season, it was clear something was up with Hezonja. He was not making shots and struggling to get himself going. The Magic were not quite ready to change the rotation as they got used to Vogel’s offensive and defensive schemes. Let alone each other.

This game provided some hope Hezonja would turn things around. Hezonja scored seven points in the fourth quarter to help the Magic pull away and hold onto the lead lead for the win.

He came around screens and shot with complete confidence. His efforts in the fourth quarter helped the Magic take the lead for good in the game.

This was what the Magic wanted to see from Hezonja. But it proved to be fleeting. The Magic never could get Heoznja going the same way consistently. This was a flash in the pan. A small one too.