UNDERRATED: Orlando Magic’s Wendell Carter SHINES as Key to Victory and Silences Doubters

The Orlando Magic crushed the Dallas Mavericks behind an energetic effort throughout the roster. It was a clear response to their coach challenging them after a frustrating defeat on Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks. Several key players who are central to the team's energy stepped up, including Wendell Carter. Carter is not won to be loud with his play. But he scored a season-high 28 points to lead the Magic to a runaway victory, building as much as a 30-point lead. Despite the step in the right direction, the Magic still have a lot to clean up defensively and straighten out as they try to play their best basketball ahead of the Playoffs. That was best exemplified in how they let Cooper Flagg get hot in the fourth quarter for 24 of his 51 points and many of the defensive rough spots that made the game closer than it was. Still, despite another frustrating showing from Paolo Banchero, the Magic got a comfortable win. 00:00 Evaluating Wendell Carter's role 04:00 Wendell Carter’s impact on defense 10:03 Wendell Carter's impact this season 14:52 Magic vs. Mavericks game recap 22:29 Magic's playoff push challenges 30:33 Magic defense evaluation 42:00 Paolo's performance and expectations Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! TurboTax This year you’re getting a major upgrade — Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today. Quo Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba. Robinhood You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood. Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm. 5-Hour ENERGY Have your cake & drink it too. Birthday cake-flavor is back, no fork needed. Vanilla-y cakey flavor, caffeinated kick, and no sugar. It's party time. Order Now at 5-hourENERGY.com or Amazon. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering $300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.