Wendell Carter’s return fuels Magic’s overtime win over Heat – The Denver Post

The Orlando Magic are hoping the return of their starting big man will lead to better defensive performances.

Saturday’s 126-114 overtime win over the Miami Heat at Amway Center was a step in the right direction.

Wendell Carter Jr. was back in the lineup after missing the previous three games — losses to the Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks and Utah Jazz — because of hip pain.

“He does so many little things,” coach Jamahl Mosley said pregame. “Like his ability to when to roll and where to roll in pick-and-rolls. It’s why he and Franz [Wagner] have such a great connection in the pick-and-roll.

“Defensively, that early talk, that early help with the guards; helping them navigate through screens and being in the right position if something breaks down — those are…