Mason Williams
@mvsonwilliams.bsky.social
Free agent sportswriter. PBWA member. Prev. bylines for Magic on SI, USA Basketball, NBC Sports, and more. IU alum | masonman2442@gmail.com | https://linktr.ee/mvsonwilliams | https://masonman2442.wixsite.com/bymasonwilliams
The #Magic want nothing to do with moral victories. This summer, neither should the rest of Orlando's organization.
The stars are in place, the foundation is strong.
Time to build off it. Pressure's on. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
The stars are in place, the foundation is strong.
Time to build off it. Pressure's on. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
As pivotal summer looms, Magic must create real victories, not moral ones
BOSTON – 'I'm not taking any moral victories from this series,' Paolo Banchero said. 'The goal was to win.'
www.si.com
April 30, 2025 at 11:46 PM
The #Magic want nothing to do with moral victories. This summer, neither should the rest of Orlando's organization.
The stars are in place, the foundation is strong.
Time to build off it. Pressure's on. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
The stars are in place, the foundation is strong.
Time to build off it. Pressure's on. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Game 4 taught the #Magic a harsh lesson about being sharp, the killer instinct & having been there before. Perhaps, in that sense, the Celtics are the NBA’s best teacher.
As elimination threatens, Orlando heads to TD Garden looking to stave it off. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
As elimination threatens, Orlando heads to TD Garden looking to stave it off. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
As Orlando faces elimination, Game 4 loss taught growing Magic a harsh playoff lesson
ORLANDO, Fla. – The score was 91-all, and somehow, that still didn't say how dead even Game 4 between the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics was through 44 mins.
www.si.com
April 28, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Game 4 taught the #Magic a harsh lesson about being sharp, the killer instinct & having been there before. Perhaps, in that sense, the Celtics are the NBA’s best teacher.
As elimination threatens, Orlando heads to TD Garden looking to stave it off. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
As elimination threatens, Orlando heads to TD Garden looking to stave it off. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
The Celtics commanded closing time. They command a 3-1 series lead over the #Magic because of it.
"You could just tell their experience showed. They weren't rattled at all."
www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
"You could just tell their experience showed. They weren't rattled at all."
www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Celtics Take Commanding 3-1 Series Lead over Magic Behind Tatum's 37
ORLANDO, Fla. – Sunday night was the Orlando Magic's last stand. Hosting Game 4 in a rowdy Kia Center and fighting to avoid going down 3-1 to the No. 2-seed Bos
www.si.com
April 28, 2025 at 4:00 AM
The Celtics commanded closing time. They command a 3-1 series lead over the #Magic because of it.
"You could just tell their experience showed. They weren't rattled at all."
www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
"You could just tell their experience showed. They weren't rattled at all."
www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
The bread and butter of the Celtics' potent offense is 3-point attempts and shots at the rim.
Through three games, the #Magic defense is minimizing Boston's most reliable offense ... and giving Orlando the chance to claw back into the series.
Story: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Through three games, the #Magic defense is minimizing Boston's most reliable offense ... and giving Orlando the chance to claw back into the series.
Story: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
April 27, 2025 at 8:50 PM
The bread and butter of the Celtics' potent offense is 3-point attempts and shots at the rim.
Through three games, the #Magic defense is minimizing Boston's most reliable offense ... and giving Orlando the chance to claw back into the series.
Story: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Through three games, the #Magic defense is minimizing Boston's most reliable offense ... and giving Orlando the chance to claw back into the series.
Story: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
The #Magic couldn't have watched all of Barry Sanders' 110 career touchdowns, but they did note one trend ... Sanders never celebrated when he scored because he expected to.
Why didn't Orlando celebrate the Game 3 win at home?
"We haven't done anything." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Why didn't Orlando celebrate the Game 3 win at home?
"We haven't done anything." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
How the Magic used an NFL legend to prove they 'haven't done anything' yet
ORLANDO, Fla. – Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner almost seemed bored. Sat behind their respective microphones to meet reporters following a narrow Game 3 victory
www.si.com
April 27, 2025 at 2:36 PM
The #Magic couldn't have watched all of Barry Sanders' 110 career touchdowns, but they did note one trend ... Sanders never celebrated when he scored because he expected to.
Why didn't Orlando celebrate the Game 3 win at home?
"We haven't done anything." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Why didn't Orlando celebrate the Game 3 win at home?
"We haven't done anything." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
“We had to find a way to change the trajectory of the game.”
Inside the second-half turnaround, sparked by the #Magic’s defense, that stole Game 3 for Orlando and made this a series again: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Inside the second-half turnaround, sparked by the #Magic’s defense, that stole Game 3 for Orlando and made this a series again: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Inside the 2nd half turnaround that won Game 3 for Magic vs. Celtics
ORLANDO, Fla. – On a normal night, the Orlando Magic follow a halftime routine that includes a quick film review and discussion of adjustments before heading ba
www.si.com
April 26, 2025 at 9:59 PM
“We had to find a way to change the trajectory of the game.”
Inside the second-half turnaround, sparked by the #Magic’s defense, that stole Game 3 for Orlando and made this a series again: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Inside the second-half turnaround, sparked by the #Magic’s defense, that stole Game 3 for Orlando and made this a series again: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Celtics sound off on the #Magic's physicality, flagrants: 'There might be a fight break out' www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Celtics sound off on Magic's physicality, flagrants: 'There might be a fight break out'
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Magic are by no means ashamed of their physical brand of basketball. Not only do they talk the talk when asked about it or bring it
www.si.com
April 26, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Celtics sound off on the #Magic's physicality, flagrants: 'There might be a fight break out' www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
#Magic's Paolo Banchero: "We knew we were going to have to do whatever we could to get this game and give ourselves a chance to tie it up 2-2. We didn't allow some of the runs and plays they made affect us. We just kept playing and got the win." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Magic Outlast Celtics Late to Win Game 3
ORLANDO, Fla. – With the score knotted at 91-all and 2:31 left to play, Franz Wagner went on to score the Orlando Magic's next – and final – four points. Yet, h
www.si.com
April 26, 2025 at 3:48 AM
#Magic's Paolo Banchero: "We knew we were going to have to do whatever we could to get this game and give ourselves a chance to tie it up 2-2. We didn't allow some of the runs and plays they made affect us. We just kept playing and got the win." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
When primarily defended by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Celtics players are shooting 7-21 with 4 TOs in two games.
But, KCP himself is knocking down just 21.7% of his shots and is 20% from 3.
Put plainly, the #Magic needs more offense from its 2-guard. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
But, KCP himself is knocking down just 21.7% of his shots and is 20% from 3.
Put plainly, the #Magic needs more offense from its 2-guard. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Faith being kept, but Magic need more from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's 3-point shot
BOSTON – These are the moments for which the Orlando Magic signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. While his defense has been up to par, his outside shot has not.
www.si.com
April 24, 2025 at 9:53 PM
When primarily defended by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Celtics players are shooting 7-21 with 4 TOs in two games.
But, KCP himself is knocking down just 21.7% of his shots and is 20% from 3.
Put plainly, the #Magic needs more offense from its 2-guard. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
But, KCP himself is knocking down just 21.7% of his shots and is 20% from 3.
Put plainly, the #Magic needs more offense from its 2-guard. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
No Tatum, no problem for the Celtics, who took a 2-0 series lead over the #Magic on Wednesday night. Another poor 3Q, Jaylen Brown's 36 and free throws hurt Orlando: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Celtics, Without Jayson Tatum, Beat Magic 109-100 to Take 2-0 Series Lead
BOSTON – Jamahl Mosley made one thing clear before Wednesday night's Game 2: Yes, Jayson Tatum is an 'unbelievable' scorer, but his Orlando Magic would still ha
www.si.com
April 24, 2025 at 3:47 AM
No Tatum, no problem for the Celtics, who took a 2-0 series lead over the #Magic on Wednesday night. Another poor 3Q, Jaylen Brown's 36 and free throws hurt Orlando: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Al Horford’s comments on KCP’s Game 1 foul against Jayson Tatum ‘mean nothing,’ the #Magic say: “We're just all playing hard, physical basketball." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Horford's Comments on KCP-Tatum Foul 'Mean Nothing,' Magic Say
BOSTON – Wednesday, many voices around the Magic fully disputed Al Horford's thoughts that the KCP's foul on Jayson Tatum was dirty.
www.si.com
April 23, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Al Horford’s comments on KCP’s Game 1 foul against Jayson Tatum ‘mean nothing,’ the #Magic say: “We're just all playing hard, physical basketball." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Physicality is the #Magic’s superpower. But in the second half, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said Orlando “let up a little bit,” and it cost them.
In Game 2, "[the Magic will] be ready to sustain our play throughout.”
Read: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
In Game 2, "[the Magic will] be ready to sustain our play throughout.”
Read: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Magic aim to lean further into physicality in Game 2 vs. Celtics
BOSTON – The Orlando Magic's physicality helped them to an early lead in Game 1. But when the Boston Celtics matched it, the Magic struggled.
www.si.com
April 22, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Physicality is the #Magic’s superpower. But in the second half, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope said Orlando “let up a little bit,” and it cost them.
In Game 2, "[the Magic will] be ready to sustain our play throughout.”
Read: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
In Game 2, "[the Magic will] be ready to sustain our play throughout.”
Read: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Review of the #Magic's Game 1 loss to the Celtics proved two things:
"We can't get into the lull of a halfcourt game with them."
"We've just got to limit even more mistakes."
How Monday's practice in Boston took shape as Orlando regroups: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
"We can't get into the lull of a halfcourt game with them."
"We've just got to limit even more mistakes."
How Monday's practice in Boston took shape as Orlando regroups: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Magic work on pace, playstyle at Monday practice; 2025 Draft order finalized
BOSTON – The Orlando Magic, after a 17-point loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their playoff series Sunday afternoon, wasted no time getting back to work.
www.si.com
April 21, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Review of the #Magic's Game 1 loss to the Celtics proved two things:
"We can't get into the lull of a halfcourt game with them."
"We've just got to limit even more mistakes."
How Monday's practice in Boston took shape as Orlando regroups: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
"We can't get into the lull of a halfcourt game with them."
"We've just got to limit even more mistakes."
How Monday's practice in Boston took shape as Orlando regroups: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
After Game 1, Joe Mazzulla said every Celtic understands they're a "weapon." Jayson Tatum said it's what makes Boston so dangerous.
If the #Magic aren't to waste the ammo from Paolo Banchero & Franz Wagner, Orlando needs more of its weapons to step up. 🔗 www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
If the #Magic aren't to waste the ammo from Paolo Banchero & Franz Wagner, Orlando needs more of its weapons to step up. 🔗 www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
In Game 1, Celtics quickly reminded Magic why they're dangerous
BOSTON – In a vacuum, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner outplayed Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. But the Celtics outplayed the Magic, winning 103-86 Sunday.
www.si.com
April 21, 2025 at 2:28 PM
After Game 1, Joe Mazzulla said every Celtic understands they're a "weapon." Jayson Tatum said it's what makes Boston so dangerous.
If the #Magic aren't to waste the ammo from Paolo Banchero & Franz Wagner, Orlando needs more of its weapons to step up. 🔗 www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
If the #Magic aren't to waste the ammo from Paolo Banchero & Franz Wagner, Orlando needs more of its weapons to step up. 🔗 www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
#Magic forward Franz Wagner on Boston's third-quarter takeover: "I think we got a little stagnant on offense, and that's when they're a really good defensive team."
More on Orlando dropping Game 1 to Boston on Sunday: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
More on Orlando dropping Game 1 to Boston on Sunday: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Celtics take Game 1 over Magic despite Banchero's, Wagner's efforts
BOSTON – Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner gave a mighty effort, but the Boston Celtics staved off the Orlando Magic's early threat to steal the opener of their f
www.si.com
April 20, 2025 at 11:56 PM
#Magic forward Franz Wagner on Boston's third-quarter takeover: "I think we got a little stagnant on offense, and that's when they're a really good defensive team."
More on Orlando dropping Game 1 to Boston on Sunday: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
More on Orlando dropping Game 1 to Boston on Sunday: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
6 things to watch in the #Magic-Celtics series, which tips off today at 3:30 p.m. ET: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
6 Things to Watch in Magic-Celtics Playoff Series
BOSTON – The Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics meet in Game 1 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs on Sunday.
www.si.com
April 20, 2025 at 12:36 PM
6 things to watch in the #Magic-Celtics series, which tips off today at 3:30 p.m. ET: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
This year, the #Magic refined their approach to playoff prep to focus more on their mentality and belief in one another.
With Game 1 vs. Boston tomorrow, "We've got the answers to the test, I think we are overly prepared," Orlando says. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
With Game 1 vs. Boston tomorrow, "We've got the answers to the test, I think we are overly prepared," Orlando says. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Magic's preparation makes them comfortable as underdogs vs. Celtics
BOSTON – The Magic feel they have the answers to the test the Celtics will pose, and are ready to 'shock the world.'
www.si.com
April 19, 2025 at 10:49 PM
This year, the #Magic refined their approach to playoff prep to focus more on their mentality and belief in one another.
With Game 1 vs. Boston tomorrow, "We've got the answers to the test, I think we are overly prepared," Orlando says. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
With Game 1 vs. Boston tomorrow, "We've got the answers to the test, I think we are overly prepared," Orlando says. www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Veteran guard Cory Joseph emerged late as a floor-raiser for the #Magic.
No matter how unlikely, Orlando needed him to get back to the playoffs – a spot he knows well. He delivered.
Paolo Banchero: "Cory stepped in right away ... and elevated our team." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
No matter how unlikely, Orlando needed him to get back to the playoffs – a spot he knows well. He delivered.
Paolo Banchero: "Cory stepped in right away ... and elevated our team." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
How unlikely floor-raiser Cory Joseph propelled Magic back to playoffs
ORLANDO, Fla. – Neither Cory Joseph nor the Orlando Magic likely envisioned the 14-year veteran being the starting point guard heading into the playoffs.
www.si.com
April 18, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Veteran guard Cory Joseph emerged late as a floor-raiser for the #Magic.
No matter how unlikely, Orlando needed him to get back to the playoffs – a spot he knows well. He delivered.
Paolo Banchero: "Cory stepped in right away ... and elevated our team." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
No matter how unlikely, Orlando needed him to get back to the playoffs – a spot he knows well. He delivered.
Paolo Banchero: "Cory stepped in right away ... and elevated our team." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Some voices around the #Magic say they see bits and pieces of themselves in the Celtics. But when asked Friday if he felt the same, Paolo Banchero held a dissenting opinion: "No, not really ... I think we are a different team than them."
More inside: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
More inside: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Are the Magic and Celtics similar? Orlando weighs in, and what the stats say
ORLANDO, Fla. – After a grueling 82-game gauntlet, a team's arrival in the NBA playoffs is often the result of the efforts of the collective. This year's Orland
www.si.com
April 18, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Some voices around the #Magic say they see bits and pieces of themselves in the Celtics. But when asked Friday if he felt the same, Paolo Banchero held a dissenting opinion: "No, not really ... I think we are a different team than them."
More inside: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
More inside: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
The #Magic are expecting a 'heck of a series' against defending champion Boston Celtics in the first round: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
April 17, 2025 at 9:20 PM
The #Magic are expecting a 'heck of a series' against defending champion Boston Celtics in the first round: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
#Magic coach Jamahl Mosley and forward Jonathan Isaac took time post-practice on Thursday to address the active shooter event at FSU: "Lives are more important, and human beings are more important than a basketball game or a playoff series at any given time." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Magic react to, offer perspective on FSU shooting: 'It's tragic'
ORLANDO, Fla. – Before Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley fielded questions about his team's practice and upcoming first-round NBA playoff series with the Boston
www.si.com
April 17, 2025 at 9:16 PM
#Magic coach Jamahl Mosley and forward Jonathan Isaac took time post-practice on Thursday to address the active shooter event at FSU: "Lives are more important, and human beings are more important than a basketball game or a playoff series at any given time." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Tuesday, the #Magic's supporting cast around Paolo Banchero & Franz Wagner "carried" them.
Now, to contend with Boston, Orlando will need Banchero & Wagner's best... and more of the same from others.
"That's going to be the name of the playoffs for us." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Now, to contend with Boston, Orlando will need Banchero & Wagner's best... and more of the same from others.
"That's going to be the name of the playoffs for us." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
How Magic reserves answered the call, potentially found playoff formula vs. Hawks
ORLANDO, Fla. – With Boston waiting in the first round, Orlando needs more from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, but more of the same from their teammates.
www.si.com
April 16, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Tuesday, the #Magic's supporting cast around Paolo Banchero & Franz Wagner "carried" them.
Now, to contend with Boston, Orlando will need Banchero & Wagner's best... and more of the same from others.
"That's going to be the name of the playoffs for us." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Now, to contend with Boston, Orlando will need Banchero & Wagner's best... and more of the same from others.
"That's going to be the name of the playoffs for us." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
The NBA announced the full schedule for the #Magic-#Celtics first-round playoff series, which begins Sunday, April 20 at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.
Full schedule, including dates, tip times, and TV designations here: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Full schedule, including dates, tip times, and TV designations here: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
NBA Announces Full Schedule for Magic-Celtics First-Round Playoff Series
ORLANDO, Fla. – The NBA released the full schedule for the first-round playoff series between the Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics.
www.si.com
April 16, 2025 at 5:46 AM
The NBA announced the full schedule for the #Magic-#Celtics first-round playoff series, which begins Sunday, April 20 at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.
Full schedule, including dates, tip times, and TV designations here: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Full schedule, including dates, tip times, and TV designations here: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
"There were some moments where one or two guys would get frustrated ... and we were able to tell each other to relax, regroup and shake it off," #Magic's Paolo Banchero said. "That's just what a good team does."
Orlando's shipping up to Boston: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Orlando's shipping up to Boston: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Magic Beat Hawks Behind 4th-Quarter Surge; Advance to Face Boston
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Magic have Easter plans. Powered by a 41-22 final-quarter advantage and big nights from the supporting cast around its two stars, Or
www.si.com
April 16, 2025 at 4:17 AM
"There were some moments where one or two guys would get frustrated ... and we were able to tell each other to relax, regroup and shake it off," #Magic's Paolo Banchero said. "That's just what a good team does."
Orlando's shipping up to Boston: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Orlando's shipping up to Boston: www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Liken it a Game 7, compare it to an NCAA Tournament game.
However you see it, the reality of the #Magic's Play-In meeting with the Atlanta Hawks is clear-cut:
"... it's a do-or-die type of game and I think everyone is going to be ready." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
However you see it, the reality of the #Magic's Play-In meeting with the Atlanta Hawks is clear-cut:
"... it's a do-or-die type of game and I think everyone is going to be ready." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
Magic ready for 'do-or-die' Play-In meeting with Hawks
ORLANDO, Fla. – Cole Anthony doesn't usually wake up at 8 a.m. with a big smile on his face. But the Orlando Magic's fifth-year guard, who apparently is not a m
www.si.com
April 15, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Liken it a Game 7, compare it to an NCAA Tournament game.
However you see it, the reality of the #Magic's Play-In meeting with the Atlanta Hawks is clear-cut:
"... it's a do-or-die type of game and I think everyone is going to be ready." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky
However you see it, the reality of the #Magic's Play-In meeting with the Atlanta Hawks is clear-cut:
"... it's a do-or-die type of game and I think everyone is going to be ready." www.si.com/nba/magic/ne... #NBASky