The Lakeland Magic are on a six-game win streak, providing a small light as the Orlando Magic continue to struggle.
Jamel Artis entered the game Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls as the game was already decided. He scored his first NBA point on a short floater. But it was ultimately inconsequential.
But Jamel Artis had earned this spot and this opportunity in the NBA. The Orlando Magic, after all, signed him to a two-way contract. And for this short stretch, they needed him as a body in practice as the team faced these mounting injuries. It seemed like his chance in the NBA was coming.
But life as a two-way player is never easy. Coaches are still trying to get a feel for these new players. And, after starring at the G-League level, they now have to adjust and find a role.
The opportunity was exciting for Artis to be in a Magic uniform, even with the limited playing time so far.
"“It’s definitely an exciting experience,” Artis said after he was called up Dec. 13. “I wanted to be here my whole life. Just playing at this level and watching them prepare for the game and prepare for shootaround and make extra steps and achieve my goal.”"
For the Lakeland Magic, Artis was the second-leading scorer with 19.7 points per game, making 46.0 percent of his 15.7 field goal attempts per game. He was a driver and scorer, a 3-point shooter and gritty defender. He was a big reason for the Lakeland Magic’s success this year.
Because even as the parent club in Orlando loses, the Lakeland Magic keep on winning.
The G-League’s Lakeland Magic are on a six-game win streak and are 12-5, leading the Southeast Division. That run includes a game-winning basket from Rodney Purvis, off an assist from Jamel Artis:
That came a game after the Lakeland Magic erased a 34-point deficit to defeat the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the largest comeback in G-League history.
The Lakeland Magic are becoming a tour de force.
Khem Birch remains with the team for the moment with Adreian Payne and Jamel Artis, the Magic’s two-way players, with the main roster. But this team has always been a bit more than what the Magic’s main roster and two-way players provide.
Artis is the second-leading scorer. Adreian Payne averages 14.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in his seven G-League appearances. Wesley Iwundu averages 16.9 points per game and 9.1 rebounds per game in the G-League.
But several other players have picked things up around those stalwarts.
Rodney Purvis leads the team with 20.7 points per game. He has been a bit of a high-volume shooter and scorer. But his production is undoubted. He and Troy Caupain essentially split the point guard duties, making this run even more impressive. The Magic do it essentially without a natural point guard.
The team has been impressive with plenty of intriguing players in addition to the players the Magic already have an interest in.
It looks like Purvis could be in the running to get a NBA chance once 10-day contracts open up in January. The Magic might be able to hold onto him when a roster spot opens up. But while he is a better scorer, his poor 3-point shooting might keep him out of the NBA for now. He is making just 36.4 percent shooting on a little more than seven attempts per game. But he is a good defender and has plenty of ability. The Magic may try to keep him in the program.
The Lakeland Magic are not an exact copy of the main club. They run similar principles, but not the exact same things.
Still, the Magic are certainly very happy with their access to the G-League through Lakeland. And the Lakeland Magic are delivering right now.
Next: Frank Vogel still believes in team's direction
Their next game is Saturday at Greensboro against the Greensboro Swarm. You can watch the game on Facebook Live.