When Magic rookie Jase Richardson stepped onto the court to make his NBA debut with 4:22 left in the third quarter of Saturday’s game against Chicago, those inside Kia Center recognized the moment.

Richardson checked in for Desmond Bane and worked quickly to make an impact, not knowing how long he had.

“You heard the crowd when he checked into the game,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said after Orlando‘s second straight loss. “We needed that energy, and he provided that. It’s the opportunity that he was ready to step into.”

Although the Magic came up short, opening the regular season 1-2 ahead of a five-game road trip that starts Monday at Philadelphia, it was clear the type of spark Richardson provided.

The Michigan State product was able to get to the free-throw line to record the first point of his pro career at the 2:34 mark of the third frame and later finished around the rim for his first made basket.

Richardson’s first 3-point try with time expiring at the end of the third didn’t fall, but it was the type of open shot Mosley wants his players to take. The rookie relocated from the right wing to the right corner and took advantage of the free space to get a shot off.

“He was ready to play,” Magic guard Anthony Black said. “He was locked in the whole game so coach trusted him to put him in, as we did [as well]. It was good to have him out there. He got to the rim, got to the free-throw line and he shot the right shots.

“For a first showing, that’s pretty good: making all the right plays, being in the right place and just bringing energy,” Black added.

One of the reasons Richardson had a chance to play was because Jalen Suggs didn’t see action on the second night of a back-to-back as he continues to manage rehab of a left knee cartilage injury. Suggs was back off the injury report heading into Monday’s game against the Sixers, but Orlando plays another back-to-back starting Thursday at Charlotte.

Mosley also said he’s still figuring out his rotations to open the season.

“As the beginning of the year starts, you’re looking at rotations, what works on different teams, different times,” Mosley said. “There’s just going to be a way to look at different lineups. Each team is doing this for these first few games until something sticks and for us, it’s going to keep fluctuating because we’re going to need that for our guys to be ready to step into each moment.”

Richardson ended up missing his second triple in transition early in the fourth quarter against the Bulls and ended with 3 points in 8 minutes.

But it was the type of performance the rookie guard can build off of in order to see more time on the floor. His teammates certainly noticed his impact.

“He always brings much-needed energy,” Bane said in the locker room. “He’s picking up, he’s scrapping, he’s … I’m glad to have him in the organization, for sure.

“He’s got a bright future ahead of him.”

Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com

Up next …

Magic at Pistons

When: 7, Wednesday, Little Caesars Arena

TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida