Caleb Houstan makes impact for Magic in limited minutes as Orlando wins 8th straight
For Caleb Houstan, making the most out of each and every opportunity he earns on the court is key for him to seeing more time for the Magic (13-5).
A 3-and-D forward who’s recorded at least one steal twice while shooting nearly 43% (6 of 14) from distance before Wednesday night’s game, the second-year pro has done just that and more for Orlando in 11 limited appearances off the bench so far this season, including Wednesday when he scored 9 points on 3-for-3 beyond the arc in a 139-120 victory over Washington for an 8th straight Orlando win.
Five Magic players scored in double figures, led by Franz Wagner’s 31 points.
“It’s always good to get in, especially in big games like those [Friday against] Boston,” Houstan said Sunday after the Magic’s 13-point win over Charlotte. “Getting those minutes just always helps me grow as a player and continuing to develop.”
Although he’s averaging just under seven minutes, Houstan’s time on the court has recently come in the second and third quarters — meaning he still can impact the outcome of the game.
Against the Hornets, Houstan checked in early in the second quarter and quickly scored six points on one possession. After getting fouled shooting a 3, the refs upgraded it to a Flagrant 1, so that meant he got three free throws and the Magic retained possession.
Houstan sank all three from the charity stripe, and out of the inbounds pass he hit a 3-pointer. He didn’t realize until later when the staff told him he had scored six points in one possession.
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The 6-8 forward from Michigan credits his teammates for his recent success.
“Every time I’m out there, they make the game easy for me and I just try to make myself available and make the right play,” he said. “They make it really easy. It’s a lot of fun.”
Magic forward Paolo Banchero noted Houstan’s work ethic after Tuesday’s practice at the AdventHealth Center. The two came out of the same draft last year.
“I’m not surprised because he comes in every morning and does the same routine with the same coach and shoots the same shot like it’s clockwork,” Banchero said.
That repetition is what allows Houstan to be prepared for whenever his number might be called night in and night out for the Magic.
“Just continuing to work on my game and staying ready — I try to do that to the best of my ability,” he said.
Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @therealBeede.
