Magic Coach Mosley's Priceless Smelling Salts Reaction Caught on Camera

Orlando's playoff hopes rest on a high-stakes play-in game against the Hornets.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:03am

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A dynamic, colorful painting with thick, energetic brushstrokes in neon shades of blue, green, and red, capturing the intense emotion and physicality of an NBA coach inhaling smelling salts to get pumped up for a crucial game.The frenzied energy of an NBA coach seeking an adrenaline boost through smelling salts before a high-stakes playoff game.Philadelphia Today

Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley was caught on camera having a priceless reaction after trying smelling salts to get an adrenaline boost before a crucial play-in tournament game against the Philadelphia 76ers. The video of Mosley's exaggerated sniff and facial expression has gone viral, highlighting the intense pressure he faces as the Magic try to secure a playoff spot.

Why it matters

Smelling salts have become a common sight among NBA coaches looking for an extra edge, but Mosley's reaction underscores the high stakes of the Magic's play-in game against the Hornets. After a difficult season marked by injuries and reported tension with star player Paolo Banchero, Mosley is under immense pressure to lead Orlando to the playoffs.

The details

Mosley was spotted on the sideline taking a deep whiff of smelling salts, likely in an attempt to get an adrenaline boost before the big game. The video of his priceless reaction has since gone viral on social media. Smelling salts are commonly used by athletes and coaches to provide a quick stimulant effect, helping to increase focus and energy levels. Other NBA coaches like the Kings' Doug Christie have also been caught on camera having similar reactions to using smelling salts.

  • The Magic faced the 76ers in a play-in tournament game on April 16, 2026.
  • The Magic will face the Hornets on April 19, 2026 for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The players

Jamahl Mosley

The head coach of the Orlando Magic, who is under pressure to lead the team to the playoffs after a difficult season marked by injuries and reported tension with star player Paolo Banchero.

Paolo Banchero

The star player for the Orlando Magic, who is reported to have a tense relationship with head coach Jamahl Mosley.

Franz Wagner

A key player for the Orlando Magic who missed significant time this season due to injury, contributing to the team's struggles.

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What’s next

The loser of the Magic-Hornets play-in game will be eliminated from the playoffs, while the winner will advance to face the Detroit Pistons in a best-of-seven series.

The takeaway

Mosley's priceless reaction to using smelling salts underscores the intense pressure he faces as the Magic try to secure a playoff spot. After a difficult season marked by injuries and reported tension with his star player, Mosley is under immense scrutiny to lead Orlando to the postseason.