Orlando Magic Daily
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2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Shelvin Mack

By Philip Rossman-Reich

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 3: Shelvin Mack #7 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the New York Knicks on April 3, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 3: Shelvin Mack #7 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the New York Knicks on April 3, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Best Game of 2018

Feb. 10 at Milwaukee: 19 points, 10 assists, 8/10 FGs, 2 steals

Shelvin Mack is not going to produce much statistically. That is not his role with the team. So when he does, it is something a team has to take advantage of.

The Orlando Magic did not take advantage of it in this February game against the Milwaukee Bucks, losing by seven points after a spirited offensive effort and comeback in the second half. The game is certainly not close without Mack’s efforts. He was critical in making sure this was a game.

And like so much of the offense, the ball came naturally to him. And he delivered when called upon.

It is not too often Mack has games like this. Last year, he scored 10 or more points in only 17 games. And the 19 points marked his season high. No one was expecting Mack to hit this amark often.

What was important was he kept the ball moving. For a team that was still having its struggles offensively, this was a nice burst. And at the time, it felt like the first game where the Magic were putting some good play together. It felt like they were taking steps in the right direction.

Mack’s stability and his play turning the right ways seemed to be part of the team seemingly turning the corner. Especially right after the Elfrid Payton trade. Mack helped provide some needed stability.

And for noe night, at least, he was the main driver. He took over the point guard duties for D.J. Augustin and did his best to get the Magic through to the finish line. It just was not to be with all the injuries Orlando continued to face and the difficult time the team still had getting stops.