With so much talk of Justise Winslow’s opportunity to become the new face of the franchise, Wednesday night’s 108-96 win over the Orlando Magic provided our first look at the 20-year-old forward in his new role in meaningful basketball.
Finishing the game with 15 points (he reached that total just twice last season) and seven rebounds, Winslow took command of the offense on several occasions, using his one-on-one ability and improved ball handling to draw the defense in. Despite shooting at least two airballs, he didn’t look bad putting the ball in the basket for a player not known for his outside shooting as he finished 7-for-15 from the floor.