Sports
Franz Wagner, Orlando Magic defeats San Antonio Spurs 127-111
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Orlando Magic is taking on the visiting San Antonio Spurs at KIA stadium on Thursday night.
Pregame Press Conference
It’s one thing to go over stats and numbers of the season and a game or games, let’s also include experience to widen the perspective….
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
First was the pregame interviews, both coaches give about 4 minutes for questions each. It was very telling by the mood and demeanor of the San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich there was room for more focus on defense with his team. According to NBA.COM Popovich is in his 26th season as the Spurs head coach. Currently, he is the longest-tenured active coach in all four U.S. major sports leagues.
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
The pregame interview for the Orlando magic coach Jamahl Mosley was positive and had lots of confidence. National Basketball Coaches Association states Mosley is the Head Coach of the Orlando Magic. On July 11, 2021, Mosley became the 14th Head Coach* in Magic history.
Pregame Show
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
From a fans view game time is at 6:30 pm sharp this night. Opening program is the Columbia Elementary Rocketeers Chorus.
At 6:38 pm follows Horizon West Middle School Boys Chorus.
6:45 pm teams come out onto the court, after the Spurs there is great fan fare and celebration of the Orlando Magic team. This is their court or their house which is often cheered throughout the game. During opening announcements of sponsors and supported events the theme for this night was the recognition of Black History Month. The whole stadium flashed in bright red, green and yellow which in the last couple decades often signifies in reference to Black American History. Both teams pullover shirts were black with large white bold letters also celebrating Black History Month. The audience was more than excited for all the festivities.
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
Invited by the Orlando Magic executives, next was Jasmin Rhia. Rhia is a professional violinist from Atlanta Georgia, also the founder of the company Artist Morality Records. After the audience was asked to please rise, Rhia played the Black National Anthem: Lift Every Voice and Sing solo on her violin. Fans were asked to continue to stand for the National Anthem.
With exceptional showmanship the whole arena is at the height of excitement for all the fan fare and applause. Be reassured that all ages from very young to well lived would have an excellent time even though the game has yet to start at this point.
Magic v. Spurs
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
The one most celebrated Orlando Magic player is Paolo Banchero. Banchero stands at 6ft 10in, about 250lbs, was the first pick in round one for the NBA Draft in 2022 from Duke University. Banchero accomplishments thus far has struck a fever pitch of anticipation of what’s to come for the future. Banchero is currently 21 years old so there’s lots to look forward to in Banchero’s coming career.
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
7:14 pm Magic scores first which sets the tone for the whole evening. Spurs took some time to get anything on the board. Magic was already at 11 points before the Spurs was able to get 3 points on the board. Once Spurs finally scored the Magic switch was flipped, the game became intense to the point where Carter of the Magic and Sochan of the Spurs have a little tussle causing Magic to be able to take a foul shot. Score is 14 – 10 for the Magic. Magic and Spurs tie at 20 points with 10 seconds left to the first quarter. Ingles for the Magic didn’t let the tie stand and with seconds to spare first quarter ends 23 to 20 for the Magic.
During the recess between first quarter and second quarter, Orlando Magic executives took this time to thank Bo Outlaw for his 8 seasons he played for them. Outlaw originally from San Antonio Texas retired from the NBA for the 2007 to 2008 Season with the Orlando Magic. Outlaw was presented with a commemorative jacket.
Second quarter begins and the Magic spirits are not only high but very determined. At this point in the game can only look back on what Popovich stated earlier in the evening as a prediction to what was to come. Scores stayed close throughout the quarter but at no time did the Magic ever loose their lead. Now the Magic focuses on how many points ahead they can maintain. There’s a few fouls and a team time out called during second quarter. Popovich is visibly looking concerned. Second quarter ends 61 to 44 for the Magic.
The halftime show is no more of the same, this is not your grandpa’s NBA halftime. Performances were second to none. On Pointe Dance Academy, local dance school to Orlando FL did not disappoint with their spectacular choreography. There were additional mini games that included fan participation for prizes to be won as well.
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
Third quarter begins, Spurs try to change their game tactics to no avail. With every score the Spurs acquire the Magic is able to take the ball often and score as well. Score sitting at 85 to 65 for the Magic time out is called with 4m 11s left in the quarter. Spurs are trying everything in every playbook they have. The Magic is prepared and ready for all of it. Third quarter ends with 98 to 85 on the board.
Nickolas Wolf / Florida National News
Fourth quarter begins, too many teams often get over confident and start to slack off on working hard, staying consistent to see the game through. The Magic with Coach Mosley’s leadership doesn’t let anything like that happen. Even during the final quarter of this game the Magic stays the course and gives no space for errors. One point in the game the spread was at 23 points.
The frustration began to really mount for the visiting team. Coach Popovich even calls a coach challenge on an out of bounds call for a previous play. At 4m 20s score is at 117 to 97 for the Magic. Time is getting short for this final quarter. Magic calls a time out at 2m 53s on the clock. Score is at 121 to 102 for the Magic. Believing in Coach Mosley and the Orlando Magic players it can be seen they are not going to relent. This will be a win for the home team. Game ends with scores at 127 to 111 for the Magic.
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Angel Perry a contributor writer for Florida National News. Contact Angel at sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — During Women’s History Month, leaders across the United States are recognized for their contributions to progress, equity and community empowerment. Among them, Florida National News (FNN) recognizes retired U.S. Army Commander Jocelyn Thomas, a military veteran, author, speaker and advocate for women’s sports.
Thomas has built a career defined by service, leadership and storytelling, transitioning from two decades in the U.S. Army to a growing influence in the sports and media industry.
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Facebook page – Tampa (Captain Jocelyn Thomas speaker)
Commander, United States Army (Retired)
Thomas entered the United States Army at just 19 years old, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career that would take her across the United States and around the world.
During her time in service, she held numerous leadership roles including Company Commander (twice), Battalion S3, Battalion Assistant Support Operations Officer (SPO), Executive Officer, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Team Leader.
Her assignments included Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Korea and Florida, along with combat deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay.
As a Company Commander, Thomas led a military unit responsible for approximately 100 to 250 soldiers, overseeing mission readiness, operational planning, training and the well-being of service members under her command.
Her responsibilities included:
- Tactical Leadership: Planning and executing company-level operations and maneuvers
- Training and Readiness: Ensuring soldiers were prepared for combat while maintaining equipment and operational standards
- Personnel Management: Mentoring and developing subordinate leaders, including platoon leaders
- Disciplinary Authority: Upholding military discipline and accountability within the unit
“Being a woman in the Army is a unique experience unlike any other,” Thomas said. “I want people to know that beneath the uniform, I am my own person.”
She describes herself as influential, trustworthy and hardworking. In addition to her military accomplishments, Thomas is also a certified personal trainer and wellness coach, reflecting her continued commitment to leadership, discipline and personal well-being.
Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
Following her military retirement, Thomas transitioned into the sports and media industry, where she currently works as a Crewing Coordinator at ESPN.
In this role, she supports live sports productions, managing behind-the-scenes logistics and coordinating on-air talent to ensure seamless broadcasts.
Thomas is also a Disney Military Fellowship Program Ambassador, representing the program that helps military veterans transition into civilian careers within The Walt Disney Company and ESPN.
Her leadership, organization and communication skills have proven valuable in the fast-paced environment of sports broadcasting.
Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
Prior to joining ESPN, Thomas worked as a Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports, where she helped oversee major sporting events from planning through execution.
Her background as a U.S. Army Operations Officer provided the leadership and logistical expertise needed to manage complex sporting events and coordinate teams working behind the scenes.
Advocate for Women’s Sports
Thomas has also become a passionate advocate for the growth and visibility of women’s sports, particularly women’s flag football.
Her work includes storytelling and coverage for initiatives such as:
- She Is Football Weekend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Girls Flag Football Week with the Atlanta Falcons
- Coverage of Alabama State University’s Women’s Flag Football Team during the 2026 season
Through these efforts, Thomas continues to amplify opportunities for female athletes and expand awareness of women’s football programs across the country.
Author and Motivational Speaker
Beyond sports media, Thomas is also a best-selling author and national keynote speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, resilience and perseverance.
She has delivered presentations for organizations including:
- Collegiate Sports Management Group
- ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Military Influencer Conference
- The Mayweather brand
- Streaming platform Twitch
Thomas has also spoken at universities and institutions such as Spelman College, Full Sail University and the University of Tampa, along with numerous military programs and high schools.
Her philosophy remains simple yet powerful:
“Success is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Impact on Women and Future Leaders
Thomas’ journey from Army commander to sports media professional reflects the growing influence of women leaders in fields traditionally dominated by men, including military leadership, sports broadcasting and athletics.
Through her advocacy for women’s flag football, leadership mentoring and public speaking, Thomas continues to inspire young women, athletes and veterans pursuing new careers after military service.
Key Achievements and Milestones
- 20-year U.S. Army combat veteran
- Three combat deployments
- Two-time U.S. Army Company Commander
- Leader responsible for more than 10,000 soldiers during her military career
- Disney’s first Military Veteran Intern (Fellow) at Disney Sports
- First Disney Fellow to complete the fellowship program and be hired full-time by ESPN
- Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
- Former Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Best-selling author and national keynote speaker
- Sideline reporter and journalist for the Atlanta Truth Women’s Professional Tackle Football team and Alabama State University Women’s Flag Football team
- Mother to Legend Thomas (8)
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About the Florida National News Women’s History Month Series
Each March, Florida National News proudly celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the achievements, leadership, and impact of women across Florida and beyond. This special editorial series spotlights trailblazers in arts, culture, and fashion; business and entrepreneurship; education and academia; government and public service; media and communications; military and veterans; nonprofit and community leadership; philanthropy; and sports and athletics—women whose stories inspire progress and empower future generations.
