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Mason Williams

@mvsonwilliams.bsky.social

Free agent sportswriter. PBWA member. Prev. bylines for Magic on SI, USA Basketball, NBC Sports, and more. IU alum | masonman2442@gmail.com | https://linktr.ee/mvsonwilliams | https://masonman2442.wixsite.com/bymasonwilliams

289 Followers  |  50 Following  |  268 Posts  |  Joined: 02.01.2025  |  1.8967

Latest posts by mvsonwilliams.bsky.social on Bluesky

Preview
As pivotal summer looms, Magic must create real victories, not moral ones BOSTON – 'I'm not taking any moral victories from this series,' Paolo Banchero said. 'The goal was to win.'

The #Magic want nothing to do with moral victories. This summer, neither should the rest of Orlando's organization.

The stars are in place, the foundation is strong.

Time to build off it. Pressure's on. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

30.04.2025 23:45 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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As Orlando faces elimination, Game 4 loss taught growing Magic a harsh playoff lesson ORLANDO, Fla. – The score was 91-all, and somehow, that still didn't say how dead even Game 4 between the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics was through 44 mins.

Game 4 taught the #Magic a harsh lesson about being sharp, the killer instinct & having been there before. Perhaps, in that sense, the Celtics are the NBA’s best teacher.

As elimination threatens, Orlando heads to TD Garden looking to stave it off. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

28.04.2025 21:19 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Celtics Take Commanding 3-1 Series Lead over Magic Behind Tatum's 37 ORLANDO, Fla. – Sunday night was the Orlando Magic's last stand. Hosting Game 4 in a rowdy Kia Center and fighting to avoid going down 3-1 to the No. 2-seed Bos

The Celtics commanded closing time. They command a 3-1 series lead over the #Magic because of it.

"You could just tell their experience showed. They weren't rattled at all."
www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

28.04.2025 04:00 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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The bread and butter of the Celtics' potent offense is 3-point attempts and shots at the rim.

Through three games, the #Magic defense is minimizing Boston's most reliable offense ... and giving Orlando the chance to claw back into the series.

Story: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

27.04.2025 20:50 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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How the Magic used an NFL legend to prove they 'haven't done anything' yet ORLANDO, Fla. – Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner almost seemed bored. Sat behind their respective microphones to meet reporters following a narrow Game 3 victory

The #Magic couldn't have watched all of Barry Sanders' 110 career touchdowns, but they did note one trend ... Sanders never celebrated when he scored because he expected to.

Why didn't Orlando celebrate the Game 3 win at home?

"We haven't done anything." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

27.04.2025 14:36 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Inside the 2nd half turnaround that won Game 3 for Magic vs. Celtics ORLANDO, Fla. – On a normal night, the Orlando Magic follow a halftime routine that includes a quick film review and discussion of adjustments before heading ba

β€œWe had to find a way to change the trajectory of the game.”

Inside the second-half turnaround, sparked by the #Magic’s defense, that stole Game 3 for Orlando and made this a series again: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

26.04.2025 21:59 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Celtics sound off on Magic's physicality, flagrants: 'There might be a fight break out' ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Magic are by no means ashamed of their physical brand of basketball. Not only do they talk the talk when asked about it or bring it

Celtics sound off on the #Magic's physicality, flagrants: 'There might be a fight break out' www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

26.04.2025 15:32 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Magic Outlast Celtics Late to Win Game 3 ORLANDO, Fla. – With the score knotted at 91-all and 2:31 left to play, Franz Wagner went on to score the Orlando Magic's next – and final – four points. Yet, h

#Magic's Paolo Banchero: "We knew we were going to have to do whatever we could to get this game and give ourselves a chance to tie it up 2-2. We didn't allow some of the runs and plays they made affect us. We just kept playing and got the win." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

26.04.2025 03:48 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Faith being kept, but Magic need more from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's 3-point shot BOSTON – These are the moments for which the Orlando Magic signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. While his defense has been up to par, his outside shot has not.

When primarily defended by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Celtics players are shooting 7-21 with 4 TOs in two games.

But, KCP himself is knocking down just 21.7% of his shots and is 20% from 3.

Put plainly, the #Magic needs more offense from its 2-guard. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

24.04.2025 21:53 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Celtics, Without Jayson Tatum, Beat Magic 109-100 to Take 2-0 Series Lead BOSTON – Jamahl Mosley made one thing clear before Wednesday night's Game 2: Yes, Jayson Tatum is an 'unbelievable' scorer, but his Orlando Magic would still ha

No Tatum, no problem for the Celtics, who took a 2-0 series lead over the #Magic on Wednesday night. Another poor 3Q, Jaylen Brown's 36 and free throws hurt Orlando: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

24.04.2025 03:47 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Horford's Comments on KCP-Tatum Foul 'Mean Nothing,' Magic Say BOSTON – Wednesday, many voices around the Magic fully disputed Al Horford's thoughts that the KCP's foul on Jayson Tatum was dirty.

Al Horford’s comments on KCP’s Game 1 foul against Jayson Tatum β€˜mean nothing,’ the #Magic say: β€œWe're just all playing hard, physical basketball." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

23.04.2025 17:52 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Magic aim to lean further into physicality in Game 2 vs. Celtics BOSTON – The Orlando Magic's physicality helped them to an early lead in Game 1. But when the Boston Celtics matched it, the Magic struggled.

Physicality is the #Magic’s superpower. But in the second half, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said Orlando β€œlet up a little bit,” and it cost them.

In Game 2, "[the Magic will] be ready to sustain our play throughout.”

Read: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

22.04.2025 21:38 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Magic work on pace, playstyle at Monday practice; 2025 Draft order finalized BOSTON – The Orlando Magic, after a 17-point loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their playoff series Sunday afternoon, wasted no time getting back to work.

Review of the #Magic's Game 1 loss to the Celtics proved two things:

"We can't get into the lull of a halfcourt game with them."

"We've just got to limit even more mistakes."

How Monday's practice in Boston took shape as Orlando regroups: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

21.04.2025 23:11 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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In Game 1, Celtics quickly reminded Magic why they're dangerous BOSTON – In a vacuum, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner outplayed Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. But the Celtics outplayed the Magic, winning 103-86 Sunday.

After Game 1, Joe Mazzulla said every Celtic understands they're a "weapon." Jayson Tatum said it's what makes Boston so dangerous.

If the #Magic aren't to waste the ammo from Paolo Banchero & Franz Wagner, Orlando needs more of its weapons to step up. πŸ”— www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

21.04.2025 14:28 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
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Celtics take Game 1 over Magic despite Banchero's, Wagner's efforts BOSTON – Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner gave a mighty effort, but the Boston Celtics staved off the Orlando Magic's early threat to steal the opener of their f

#Magic forward Franz Wagner on Boston's third-quarter takeover: "I think we got a little stagnant on offense, and that's when they're a really good defensive team."

More on Orlando dropping Game 1 to Boston on Sunday: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

20.04.2025 23:56 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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6 Things to Watch in Magic-Celtics Playoff Series BOSTON – The Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics meet in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs on Sunday.

6 things to watch in the #Magic-Celtics series, which tips off today at 3:30 p.m. ET: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

20.04.2025 12:36 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Magic's preparation makes them comfortable as underdogs vs. Celtics BOSTON – The Magic feel they have the answers to the test the Celtics will pose, and are ready to 'shock the world.'

This year, the #Magic refined their approach to playoff prep to focus more on their mentality and belief in one another.

With Game 1 vs. Boston tomorrow, "We've got the answers to the test, I think we are overly prepared," Orlando says. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

19.04.2025 22:49 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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How unlikely floor-raiser Cory Joseph propelled Magic back to playoffs ORLANDO, Fla. – Neither Cory Joseph nor the Orlando Magic likely envisioned the 14-year veteran being the starting point guard heading into the playoffs.

Veteran guard Cory Joseph emerged late as a floor-raiser for the #Magic.

No matter how unlikely, Orlando needed him to get back to the playoffs – a spot he knows well. He delivered.

Paolo Banchero: "Cory stepped in right away ... and elevated our team." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

18.04.2025 23:11 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Are the Magic and Celtics similar? Orlando weighs in, and what the stats say ORLANDO, Fla. – After a grueling 82-game gauntlet, a team's arrival in the NBA playoffs is often the result of the efforts of the collective. This year's Orland

Some voices around the #Magic say they see bits and pieces of themselves in the Celtics. But when asked Friday if he felt the same, Paolo Banchero held a dissenting opinion: "No, not really ... I think we are a different team than them."

More inside: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

18.04.2025 23:11 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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The #Magic are expecting a 'heck of a series' against defending champion Boston Celtics in the first round: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

17.04.2025 21:20 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Magic react to, offer perspective on FSU shooting: 'It's tragic' ORLANDO, Fla. – Before Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley fielded questions about his team's practice and upcoming first-round NBA playoff series with the Boston

#Magic coach Jamahl Mosley and forward Jonathan Isaac took time post-practice on Thursday to address the active shooter event at FSU: "Lives are more important, and human beings are more important than a basketball game or a playoff series at any given time." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

17.04.2025 21:16 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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How Magic reserves answered the call, potentially found playoff formula vs. Hawks ORLANDO, Fla. – With Boston waiting in the first round, Orlando needs more from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, but more of the same from their teammates.

Tuesday, the #Magic's supporting cast around Paolo Banchero & Franz Wagner "carried" them.

Now, to contend with Boston, Orlando will need Banchero & Wagner's best... and more of the same from others.

"That's going to be the name of the playoffs for us." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

16.04.2025 21:42 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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NBA Announces Full Schedule for Magic-Celtics First-Round Playoff Series ORLANDO, Fla. – The NBA released the full schedule for the first-round playoff series between the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics.

The NBA announced the full schedule for the #Magic-#Celtics first-round playoff series, which begins Sunday, April 20 at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.

Full schedule, including dates, tip times, and TV designations here: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

16.04.2025 05:46 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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Magic Beat Hawks Behind 4th-Quarter Surge; Advance to Face Boston ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Magic have Easter plans. Powered by a 41-22 final-quarter advantage and big nights from the supporting cast around its two stars, Or

"There were some moments where one or two guys would get frustrated ... and we were able to tell each other to relax, regroup and shake it off," #Magic's Paolo Banchero said. "That's just what a good team does."

Orlando's shipping up to Boston: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

16.04.2025 04:17 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Magic ready for 'do-or-die' Play-In meeting with Hawks ORLANDO, Fla. – Cole Anthony doesn't usually wake up at 8 a.m. with a big smile on his face. But the Orlando Magic's fifth-year guard, who apparently is not a m

Liken it a Game 7, compare it to an NCAA Tournament game.

However you see it, the reality of the #Magic's Play-In meeting with the Atlanta Hawks is clear-cut:

"... it's a do-or-die type of game and I think everyone is going to be ready." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

15.04.2025 17:24 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks, NBA Play-In Tournament Preview: Keys to the Game, TV, Odds ORLANDO, Fla. – The Play-In Tournament is here. For the first time, the Orlando Magic (41-41, 7th in East) take part in the win-to-get-in competition that prece

The Play-In Tournament is here.

A comprehensive preview of tonight's #Magic-#Hawks matchup: Keys to the Game, TV information, betting lines & more.

- You guys again?
- Trae Young, the conductor
- Postseason risers?

Read: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

15.04.2025 16:38 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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After late turnaround, Magic feel well-positioned with Play-In Tournament looming ORLANDO, Fla. – One thing needs clarifying right away: the Orlando Magic wanted more out of this regular season than what they got.

β€œThe trajectory could only go up from there.”

"I think we're in a great position, ready to take care of the Hawks Tuesday at home." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

14.04.2025 16:46 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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After late turnaround, Magic feel well-positioned with Play-In Tournament looming ORLANDO, Fla. – One thing needs clarifying right away: the Orlando Magic wanted more out of this regular season than what they got.

The #Magic were six games below .500 with 12 games to play. Tell them they’d finish .500, and even they might’ve scoffed at the idea.

What happened?

β€œWe understood that we had to change that shit all around.”

Now, as Orlando wakes up Monday 0-0, it likes where it’s at. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne...

14.04.2025 16:46 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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Tip Time, TV Set for Magic-Hawks Play-In Game Tuesday, April 15 Tuesday's Play-In Tournament game between the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks is officially set. The No.7-seed Magic and No. 8-seed Hawks will tip off at 7:30 p

No. 7 #Magic-No.8 #Hawks, Tuesday, April 15, 7:30 p.m. ET.

In current Play-In format, the No. 7 seed has never missed the playoffs.

No. 7 seeds are 6-2 in the 7-8 game. The two teams that lost both went on to win their 8-seed elimination game. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky

13.04.2025 23:59 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Hawks Beat Magic to Close Regular Season; Orlando Finishes 41-41 After a 117-105 loss, the Orlando Magic will hope for a different performance and showing in Tuesday's Play-In game versus the Atlanta Hawks.

Next stop: Postseason www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #Magic #NBASky

13.04.2025 19:29 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

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