The Los Angeles Lakers had a nine-game win-streak snapped on Wednesday night at the hands of the Orlando Magic. And while LeBron James had a career-high 19 assists in the loss, something that hasn’t happened to James while dishing that many assists, the story of the night was the big performance and clutch shots from former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz.
The Fultz revival has been one of the best stories of the NBA season, with last night’s performance at Staples Center solidifying that in a marquee moment. LeBron James was one of many who is happy to see the success Fultz is having after having two seasons in Philadelphia lost to a bizarre injury, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
“Confidence and opportunity,” said LeBron James when asked to explain how Fultz has turned it around. “They’re confident in him, he’s confident in himself. He’s given an opportunity to go out and play the game how he grew up playing. Everything else takes care of itself. I’ve been supportive of him ever since he was in high school, when he was a rookie in Philly. Been supportive of his situation and still [am] to this day. I’m happy as hell for him.”
Fultz has started in 35 of the 40 games he’s played in for the Magic this season. Earlier this month he had a career-high 25 points, which he followed up last night with 21 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a triple-double.
