Orlando Magic Daily
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2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Mario Hezonja

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, 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)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, 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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Best Game of 2018

Dec. 17 at Detroit: 28 points, 10/18 FGs, 8/12 3FGs, 6 rebounds, 3 steals

Mario Hezonja had seen an increase in minutes thanks to injuries to the roster. He was slowly getting more playing time, but not seeing a ton of the results. There was the 17-point game against the LA Clippers. But a lot of that scoring came late in a game that was already decided.

The Orlando Magic were not getting a lot of traction in the season and neither was Hezonja.

But opportunity remained a powerful motivator. Hezonja’s place in the rotation was not guaranteed and this was his chance to shine. he had to make his mark and force his way into the rotation, demanding playing time through his actions on the court.

Mark this sleepy Sunday afternoon at Little Caesars Arena as the point when Hezonja announced himself as a permanent fixture for the Magic. A day where his supporters rejoiced at his emergence — at last.

Hezonja exploded for a career-high 28 points, hitting eight of his 12 3-pointers. This was the Hezonja everyone imagined, making shots from all over the court and playing with irrational confidence. And having the talent to back it up.

All this game needed was Mario Hezonja dapping up Stan Van Gundy after draining a 3 to make it a perfect outing.

This game though was important for Hezonja’s career. It was the one that began to change his perception within the organization and the trust the coaching staff could give to him. The confidence Hezonja showed on the court this day was one he carried with him the rest of the year.

He now knew he could have a big game like this and play at this level comfortably. Hezonja scored in double figures the next four games. That was no small feat for him after his struggles in his first two seasons.

This is the kind of game that made Frank Vogel have to sweat figuring out what to do when Aaron Gordon returned from a concussion and how to work the two forwards into the lineup together. Hezonja struggled some with that adjustment. But he found his footing again.

Hezonja fans can point to this game as the moment things turned for him.