Adversity strikes every NBA team at some point during the season, whether through injuries or illnesses, and how they navigate these challenges can determine their success. Currently, the Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs exemplify resilience in the face of adversity, while the New Orleans Pelicans and Philadelphia 76ers are struggling to find their footing.
The Magic have enjoyed a remarkable 9-1 streak in their last ten games despite being without their star player, Paolo Banchero, who was an All-Star last season. They currently sit behind only the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference rankings, both teams that have managed to overcome their injury setbacks as well. Meanwhile, the Spurs have managed a respectable 7-5 record since head coach Gregg Popovich suffered a stroke, which thrust assistant coach Mitch Johnson into the role of acting head coach without any prior warning.
These two franchises demonstrate how to turn adversity into a pathway for winning games. Golden State coach Steve Kerr praised Johnson for his coaching capabilities and positive impact within the staff. Kerr, a longtime friend of Popovich, noted how much Johnson contributes during practice and team discussions, highlighting his coaching acumen and the belief that Popovich has in him.
The Spurs have impressed this season, especially given their recent challenges, including the absence of starting forward Jeremy Sochan and star center Victor Wembanyama. Their current record through 17 games is the best they’ve seen since the 2017-18 season, showcasing Johnson’s ability to keep the team united and focused during tough circumstances. Johnson acknowledged that many teams are grappling with injuries, but emphasized the importance of the “next man up” mentality, which the Spurs players have fully embraced.
Initially, without Banchero, the Magic faced a difficult start, losing their first four games by an average margin of 14.3 points. However, Franz Wagner stepped up significantly, averaging 27.6 points over his past 11 games, solidifying his importance to the team’s success. Magic forward Jonathan Isaac noted Wagner’s increased confidence and critical role in filling the gap left by Banchero’s absence.
While the Magic have managed to thrive without their main star, the Phoenix Suns illustrate how difficult it can be to adjust without key players. With Kevin Durant, the Suns boast an impressive 8-1 record, but they struggle with a dismal 1-6 record when he is sidelined. Nevertheless, Memphis has shown resilience, going 5-3 during Ja Morant’s eight-game absence that just concluded.
Contrastingly, the Pelicans are dealing with multiple injuries that have severely impacted their performance. With star players like Dejounte Murray missing games due to a broken hand and others like Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum also sidelined for extended periods, New Orleans finds itself with a 4-14 record, one of the worst starts in the league. Trey Murphy, a forward for the Pelicans, remains determined, vowing that the team will persist through adversity.
The Philadelphia 76ers face similar woes, with key players such as Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Kyle Lowry absent due to injuries. Their struggles have resulted in a discouraging 3-13 record, second-worst in the NBA. Maxey remains optimistic, noting that they are still early in the season and emphasizing the need for the team to band together and play with determination despite their challenges.
This is the nature of the NBA: the Spurs and Magic seem to be thriving amidst the struggles, while the Pelicans and 76ers are still searching for solutions in the face of adversity.