The top 10 games of the Orlando Magic’s 2023 season

Top 10 games of the Orlando Magic’s 2023 season

4. JI Returns — vs. Boston Celtics (Jan. 23)

By mid-January, it was not even certain if this day would come. When this day came, it was still very uncertain what Jonathan Isaac would even look like. It was all just a mystery.

But as the news came out that Isaac would indeed make his return and play in his first game since August 2020, everyone was curious to see what Isaac would do. Anything the Magic got from Isaac it would seem would be a bonus. Even if it was just the moment of celebration that he was back on the court.

So what Orlando got from Isaac in his first game back was a complete shock. It was a pleasant surprise. It was encouraging and exciting. It seemed to make the wait worth it to get that moment, even for as limited as Isaac was.

Isaac scored 10 points in 9:36 of action with his extreme minute restriction for his first games back. But all the moments and things that made Isaac special were hinted at for expansion.

He hit a pull-up jumper and attacked the basket with gusto, using his size and strength to make an impact. He switched to smaller defenders and smothered players. The highlight of his game was getting a steal and following it up with a 3-pointer for good measure.

This was everything Isaac and the Magic could have asked for and more.

In the 11 games that Isaac played, he made a wild impact defensively. He continued to look like an all-defensive team player in his limited minutes. And everyone was eager to see his role continue to expand.

Unfortunately, this would be just a cameo. He suffered another setback and was shut down for the season fairly quickly after he needed surgery. The hope is he will be ready for camp and hopefully with fewer restrictions for a critical season for his career as he tries to end his comeback.