Jamal Mosley explains Tristan da Silva’s adjustment in Paolo Banchero’s return

Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley outlined an immediate role change for striker Tristan da Silva The return of Paolo Bancheroemphasizing the value of second-year players in the the team’s 106–105 victory over the Miami Heat on Friday night. The narrow win marked Buncher’s first appearance after missing 10 games with a left groin strain, prompting lineup and rotation changes that required da Silva to return to the bench.

Mosley said da Silva’s responsibility remains unchanged whether he starts or comes off the bench.

“I thought he had a lot of great sparks tonight and we talked about that and just what I’m asking him to do is continue to be aggressive no matter when he’s on the floor,” Mosley said. “Defensively, sit and guard, contain your man. When you’re open, knock him down, but you know, don’t run away from attacking the basket. I think those are things you can continue to ask him to do whether he’s starting or coming off the bench.”

Da Silva had three points, five rebounds and a steal while shooting 1-for-4 from the field and 1-for-3 from three in 25 minutes. Although the score dropped, Mosley praised his activity and discipline at both ends.

Tristan da Silva adjusts as Magic reintegrates Paolo Banchero in win over Heat

In the span of 10 games that Banchero missed, da Silva averaged 11 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists on 46.8% shooting while playing 26.8 minutes per contest. In 23 games this season, he is averaging 10.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game, while shooting 46.6% from the field and 38.5% from three in 10 starts.

Banchero returned Friday with nine points, six rebounds and two assists on 3-for-8 shooting in 20 minutes. His re-entry required an adjustment in pace and pace, something Mosley said will continue to evolve as he fully reintegrates.

“Well, it’s going to take a while,” Mosley said. “I think there’s going to be a moment where you’re going to have to try to connect, but I think they did a really good job of finding different sets, different reads. Miami is a tough team — how they guard, how they defend, they put you in different situations, so I think our guys did a great job adjusting to that, no matter who was on the floor.”

With the win, the Magic improved to 14–9, moving into fourth place in the Eastern Conference. Their recent effort has been fueled by depth contributions, defensive consistency and improved ball movement, elements that Mosley said remain critical as Banchero moves into heavier minutes.

Orlando will travel to New York to face the Knicks (15-7) on Sunday before returning home to Rematch of the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup with the Heat (14–9) on Tuesday at 6:00 PM ET on Prime Video.