The Orlando Magic won 113-98 in a game against the Boston Celtics in the 2022-2023 NBA regular season held at the Amway Center in the United States on the 24th (Korean time). Orlando succeeded in catching a strong team called Boston, which ranked first in the league. Also, this season, we have a record of 2 wins and 1 loss against Boston.
The reason why this match drew more attention was because it was the comeback match of Jonathan Isaac (208cm, F).
Isaac debuted with the 6th pick in the 2017-2018 NBA Draft. He is a player with excellent physical condition and strong defense. In his debut season, he alternated between the G League and the NBA. In his debut season, he recorded 5.4 points and 3.7 rebounds in 27 total appearances.
In his second year, he was guaranteed more playing time. He played 75 games, averaging 26 minutes. He averaged 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 1.3 blocked shots. He showed strength on defense. It was a season in which he proved his worth on defense, although he was not exceptional in offense.
And in the third year, he became the core of the team. He averaged 1.6 steals and 2.3 blows per game, proving how good a healthy Isaac is. The problem was health. At that time, he only appeared in 34 games.
Isaac’s last game was on August 2, 2020 against the Sacramento Kings. At the time, the match was held at the Orlando Bubble due to Corona 19. Isaac suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during the match and went through a long rehabilitation process for about two years and four months after that. There was news of a return in the middle, but all of them were canceled.
And finally, after 904 days, he had a comeback match. His final performance was 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. He played only 9 minutes.
Isaac, who had a successful comeback, said in an interview after the game, “The Orlando team has waited for me for a long time. And he stayed with me. I really appreciate and love you. The fans also welcomed me. So I tried to enjoy every moment,” he said, expressing his thoughts on his return.
“I am in very good shape right now. I think I can stop anyone.”
Although he is still lacking, Isaac will be a great help to the team if his physical condition is perfected over time and he adapts to the team. This is why Orlando has been waiting for him for a long time.