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Lakeland Magic clinch playoff berth in inaugural season

By Philip Rossman-Reich

LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 4: Byron Mullens #9 of the Lakeland Magic boxes out against Nigek Hayes #20 and Devon Baulkman #0 of the Westchester Knicks during the game on March 4, 2018 at RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 4: Byron Mullens #9 of the Lakeland Magic boxes out against Nigek Hayes #20 and Devon Baulkman #0 of the Westchester Knicks during the game on March 4, 2018 at RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Lakeland Magic clinched a Playoff berth in their inaugural season with a three-game win streak in the final weekend of the season.

The Orlando Magic made some quick roster moves Friday morning. Three players took a detour from Orlando on the day between Orlando Magic games to play for the Lakeland Magic.

For Rodney Purvis, Jamel Artis and Khem Birch, they had spent the majority of their season fighting for a spot in the NBA but also winning games for the Lakeland Magic. No one could fault them for trying to make sure they finished the job.

Tuesday, before getting called up to the main club, Jamel Artis hit a game-winning and-one to give the Lakeland Magic a crucial victory.

Friday, Rodney Purvis scored 18 points, hitting some key shots for Lakeland as they took control in the second half. Khem Birch added 17 points before fouling out. The win brought the Lakeland Magic not only on the precipice of the playoffs but home court advantage.

With Purvis, Artis and Birch back with the Orlando Magic on Saturday night, the Lakeland Magic did not accomplish the latter. But they finished the job on the former.

Lakeland won its final three games, including Saturday’s 123-115 win over the Delaware 87ers to clinch their first-ever playoff berth. They will take on the Erie Bayhawks in Pennsylvania on Tuesday at 7 p.m. on ESPNU.

Troy Caupain scored 30 points in the win. Byron Mullens added 22 and John Petrucelli added 17 points, 10 rebounds and five steals. Those are hardly household names. It is unclear if Purvis, who led the team in scoring this season, will return to the team for the playoff game or remain with the Orlando Magic.

But this was a major victory for the Magic organization and president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman. Running similar sets and philosophies to the Orlando Magic, the Lakeland Magic discovered talent to fill out the roster as the Orlando Magic forced changes throughout the year.

The Lakeland Magic got off to an incredibly hot start with Khem Birch anchoring the inside and Rodney Purvis and Troy Caupain the outside. Throughout the year, they had to integrate Wesley Iwundu for spot minutes.

Then Birch got a permanent call-up to the NBA and the Lakeland Magic were sent scrambling a bit.

Lakeland Magic general manager Anthony Parker did a good job filling out the roster and finding players to help keep the team competitive while developing young players like Troy Caupain and John Petrucelli. Someone always seemed able to step up. And Alan Anderson and Byron Mullens added some nice veteran stability to help push the team through the final stretch run.

If Weltman and his staff helped guide or provide a model for what Parker built with the Lakeland Magic, that certainly should be encouraging for Magic fans, right?

Even if it is not indicative of what the Magic can build or their philosophies in team building and scouting, it is good to see a part of the Magic organization succeeding in this difficult season for the main team.

The G-League is tough. There are those constant call-ups disrupting roster continuity. But coach Stan Heath and general manager Anthony Parker have accomplished a lot this year with Lakeland.

And if you are looking for more success within the Magic organization, the Orlando Solar Bears also clinched a playoff spot on Friday.

The Magic bought the Solar Bears this year. Minor league hockey sees a lot of roster turnover from year to year. And the Orlando Solar Bears’ uncertain future affiliation with the Toronto Maple Leafs does not help. To make back to back Kelly Cup Playoffs for the fourth time in five years is extremely encouraging.

Next: Rodney Purvis shining after succeeding in G-League grind

Outside of the Orlando Magic, the Magic saw a ton of success with their teams this year. Certainly, some struggles and uncertainty as both teams reached the Playoffs at the very end of the season. But a successful one nonetheless.