New energy source gives big boost

Carter-Williams provides lift with defense in his debut

It didn’t take long for Michael Carter-Williams to make an impression on his new teammates.

The newest member of the Orlando Magic made his debut Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks and seemed to be all over the floor during his nearly 16 minutes of playing time in the 101-91 victory.

He defended Hawks point guards Trae Young and Jaylen Adams, pushed the ball in transition, attacked the basket (getting to the free-throw line eight times) and showed an ability to rebound.

Not bad for a player three days into his Magic career.

“I thought his defense on both [Jaylen] Adams and for the time he was in there against Trae Young he was very good,” Magic coach Steve Clifford said. “You can see, he’s terrific defensively and he gets the ball moving up and down the floor.”

Carter-Williams signed a 10-day contract on Friday as the Magic sought depth at the point guard position with Isaiah Briscoe out with a knee injury. Briscoe is recovering from surgery he had last week to repair a torn meniscus and his return is uncertain at this point.

For his part, Carter-Williams hopes to continue making an impact by boosting the Magic’s defensive intensity.

“I think if I can get through screens and get back and find the ball and force teams to make a pass and just force an extra whatever it is, an extra pass, if I can get a tipped ball, whatever the case may be, you know helping the team out defensively,” he said. “Taking away that first action and making them

(opponent) play on the second action is big.”

Just seconds after checking into the game late in the first quarter, there was Carter-Williams dashing to the other end of the floor to get back to defend a fast break. The hustle paid off as CarterWilliams disrupted a dunk attempt by Hawks forward DeAndre’ Bembry.

Carter-Williams’ new teammates certainly like his energy.

“He came in and gave us a huge boost tonight. He played really well for us,” Magic center Nikola Vucevic said. “He was aggressive on the offensive end. Defensively he was really good.

“He was just fighting out there, and I think he also created off the dribble for us, which is something we really need, especially off the second unit.”

Magic swingman Evan Fournier also was impressed.

“What I really like is his motor. He’s very active. [He] really, really wants to compete and plays hard,” Fournier said. “He brings that energy and he’s obviously a very good defender. We’re going to need that.”

Clifford knows what he’ll get from Carter-Williams, having coached him last season in Charlotte. Before the game, Clifford called Carter-Williams “one of the best perimeter defenders” he’s coached.

“MCW, you’ll see. You can see he cannot only contain the ball, but he makes things happen,” Clifford said. “He brings an energy level and kind of a pursuit to the floor that can be contagious.”

Clifford wouldn’t say Carter-Williams will handle the backup point guard duties going forward. Clifford said he’s planning to use more of a playoff rotation with more substitutions, so playing combinations will vary.

That Clifford entrusted him with the point guard duties so quickly wasn’t lost on Carter-Williams.

“It means a lot. It means that he has faith and trust in me,” he said. “I know that we’re striving to get to the playoffs and I think that we’ve got a great chance if we keep listening to coach and staying together.”

As Vucevic stepped to the free-throw line late in Sunday’s win against the Hawks, a chorus began to erupt from the Amway Center crowd. “M-V-P. M-V-P. M-V-P.” Vucevic couldn’t resist a deadpanned response after the game.

“It was great. I had the TV crew from Montenegro here, so I paid some of the fans to do that to make me look cool back home,” he said.

True, a television crew from his native Montenegro was on hand for Sunday’s game. And of course, Vucevic was kidding about offering money for cheers.

In all seriousness, Vucevic, who will be an unrestricted free agent after this season, appreciated the fan support.

“That was awesome to hear the fans say that. It means a lot to me,” he said. “It means they respect what I do and they support me so it was great to hear, for sure, and I’m glad I could help the team win tonight.”

Vucevic, the Magic’s leading scorer and rebounder, recorded 27 points and 20 rebounds against the Hawks. It was his 52nd double-double of the season.