Hard work pays dividends for Magic wing Caleb Houstan
MINNEAPOLIS — The lone member of the Magic who is neither on Instagram nor X, Caleb Houstan isn’t exactly the loudest player in the locker room.
But Friday night at Minnesota, Houstan let his long-range shooting speak for itself.
Although Jamahl Mosley‘s squad fell 118-111 against the Timberwolves, it was often Houstan who helped Orlando remain competitive throughout the night when he shot 6-for-8 from beyond the arc, marking a season-high 18 points.
“He was just himself out there,” Magic forward Paolo Banchero said of his fellow 2022 draft pick. “He’s always poised, under control and takes the shots when they’re open. He had it going, made some huge 3s and kept us in the game.”
While everything was clicking for Houstan on Friday night, his season hasn’t gone as smoothly.
Starting the year on Mosley’s third unit, Houstan played limited minutes in just 20 of the first 33 games while recording 11 healthy scratches — aka DNP-coach’s decision.
It wasn’t until the injury bug caught up to the Magic in January when Houstan’s role increased. Appearing in 13 straight contests with 5 starts, he averaged 22.3 minutes before not seeing the court in 11 of the next 17 games as the Magic roster regained strength.
But whether he’s playing for Orlando or spending time on assignment in the G League with Osceola (something he did three times in December), Houstan remains committed to improving his game as a young 3-and-D prospect.
“The kid works,” Mosley said. “And I say this with no hesitation: He might be one of the hardest workers I’ve seen. This kid is in early, stays late, comes back, works on his shot. … He is determined. He is focused. He’s a pro. He stays ready no matter if his number is called for two minutes or 22 minutes.
“He’s going to stay ready and that’s what you’ve got to love about him and the way he represents being a professional,” the Magic coach added.
After loss at Wolves, Magic travel to league-best Cavs as regular season winds down
To no surprise, Houstan appreciated the high praise from his coach.
“That’s a great compliment to have,” he said. “It’s something that I definitely do a lot. It feels good.”
It’s that level of work that has allowed Houstan to creep back into Orlando’s rotation in the final stretch of the regular season.
Joining the second unit in five straight contests entering Sunday’s matchup at No. 1 Cleveland, Houstan has quietly shot 35.5% on 2.5 attempts from 3-point range during 44 games this season. It’s the second-best long-range percentage on the team.
But knowing him, the work won’t stop.
“It’s always good to have a good game,” Houstan said of Friday’s performance. “Regardless if I’m playing or not, I have confidence in myself in what I can do.”
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com
-
Beede’s Breakdown: Magic fall short at T-Wolves despite Banchero’s 43
MINNEAPOLIS — It was always going to be an uphill battle for the Magic on the second night of a back-to-back against the Timberwolves at Target Center. But Friday night, while missing two starters, ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Timberwolves rally to beat Magic 118-111 for their 7th straight victory
Anthony Edwards scored 28 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied to beat the Orlando Magic 118-111 on Friday night for their seventh straight victoryABC News - 2d -
Timberwolves rally to beat Magic 118-111 for their 7th straight victory
Anthony Edwards scored 28 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied to beat the Orlando Magic 118-111 on Friday night for their seventh straight victory. Down 90-82 with 10:23 left, Minnesota ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Caleb Grill has brought his walls down
Dennis Gates describes himself as coaching through love first and that has helped Caleb Grill become his best self.Yahoo Sports - 22h -
Magic vs. Timberwolves Predictions: Odds, recent stats, trends, best bets for March 14
Orlando Magic vs. Minnesota Timberwolves PreviewYahoo Sports - 2d -
Palladino: ‘Magical night for Fiorentina’ as Juventus thumped 3-0
Raffaele Palladino relished a ‘magical night’ for Fiorentina after humiliating their old rivals Juventus 3-0. ‘Now we must take that final step that we’re missing.’The Viola had the risk of ...Yahoo Sports - 13h -
Ronaldo and Real Valladolid: with the magic gone, all that’s left is a crisis | Sid Lowe
After his takeover in 2018, the early enthusiasm has long gone, and so mostly has he. Now he wants to get on his bike. At the end of training on Friday, as Real Valladolid’s players left the annex ...The Guardian - 6d -
Neither history nor language are neutral in this time-travel mystery
Kirsten Menger-Anderson's time-travel mystery, 'The Expert of Subtle Revisions,' explores the way history is affected by how it is told and who does the telling.Los Angeles Times - 2d -
Banchero & Wagner leads Magic to comfortable win over Pelicans
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner combined for 61 points as the Magic defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 113-93 Thursday night.Yahoo Sports - 2d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Why Alexander Sorloth’s goal against Barcelona was not ruled out by VAR
Atletico Madrid appeared to have taken full control of their La Liga heavyweight clash against Barcelona, when Alexander Sorloth made it six games in a row scoring against the Catalan giants. ...Yahoo Sports - 8m -
Bengals go BPA in post-free agency mock draft
The Bengals don't just go after need in a new mock draft.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
“I try to be honest” – Pep Guardiola issues new verdict on Jack Grealish’s Manchester City behaviour
Pep Guardiola continues to hold firm belief in the performances and standards held by Jack Grealish in training and on the pitch when handed Manchester City opportunities.Grealish has played only ...Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE: Result and reaction as Magpies claim historic Carabao Cup win
Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle: Magpies end 70-year wait to win major domestic trophy with victory at WembleyYahoo Sports - 13m -
Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool defeat has ‘shone a light’ on big problem facing Arne Slot
Carragher said Liverpool should target two players in the transfer window after defeat to NewcastleYahoo Sports - 15m
More in Sports
-
Why Alexander Sorloth’s goal against Barcelona was not ruled out by VAR
Atletico Madrid appeared to have taken full control of their La Liga heavyweight clash against Barcelona, when Alexander Sorloth made it six games in a row scoring against the Catalan giants. ...Yahoo Sports - 8m -
Bengals go BPA in post-free agency mock draft
The Bengals don't just go after need in a new mock draft.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
“I try to be honest” – Pep Guardiola issues new verdict on Jack Grealish’s Manchester City behaviour
Pep Guardiola continues to hold firm belief in the performances and standards held by Jack Grealish in training and on the pitch when handed Manchester City opportunities.Grealish has played only ...Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE: Result and reaction as Magpies claim historic Carabao Cup win
Liverpool 1-2 Newcastle: Magpies end 70-year wait to win major domestic trophy with victory at WembleyYahoo Sports - 13m -
Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool defeat has ‘shone a light’ on big problem facing Arne Slot
Carragher said Liverpool should target two players in the transfer window after defeat to NewcastleYahoo Sports - 15m