Finding consistency on defense<\/p>\n
The Orlando Magic built their reputation by being one of the most physical teams in the league. Their defense was impenetrable, negating an offense that was often underperforming.<\/p>\n
This season saw a betrayal of that identity. <\/p>\n
Even granting for injuries that decimated the roster, nobody had the Magic dropping not only out of the top five, but all the way to 13th in defensive rating, giving up 113.6 points per 100 possessions.<\/p>\n
That was unfathomable to a team like this. That was not anywhere near their formula for success.<\/p>\n
Entering the playoffs it was hard to tell which Magic team would show up — the one that looked like they could fulfill their potential or the one that be inconsistent and bitterly disappointing.<\/p>\n
The Playoffs have brought out the best in the Magic. The Pistons have never eclipsed 110 points per 100 possessions and posted only 89.8 points per 100 possessions in their Game 4 loss. <\/p>\n
The team has finally gotten on the same page.<\/p>\n
“Obviously, it’s really cool to win some games here,” Franz Wagner said in the locker room after Game 4. “I just think we stuck together as a group. Came closer through some tough times. I think we had a good strategy for the series and execute one more time.”<\/p>\n
Orlando hounded Detroit into 20 turnovers for 23 points, forcing mistake after mistake at critical junctures. The Pistons had seven turnovers in the first six minutes, setting a tone as the Magic raced into the lead. <\/p>\n
The Pistons shot just 37.8 percent from the floor and 6 for 30 from three and bottled up Cade Cunningham, holding him to 25 points on 7-for-23 shooting. He had eight turnovers, bringing him to 24 in the last three games.<\/p>\n
Even though Orlando’s offense was not much better at 94.9 points per 100 possessions and 30-for-92 shooting, the defense never wavered.<\/p>\n
That was a piece that was missing all season too. The Magic have truly committed to defense in a way they have not all season.<\/p>\n
The will to win<\/p>\n
At this stage of any playoff series, it truly is about a will to win<\/a>. It is about whether you can dig out that extra possession and do the little things that can add up to a win.<\/p>\n The other aspect of the Orlando Magic’s identity that had seemingly been lost was their will to outwork everyone in front of them. Whatever talent deficiencies they might have was made up on sheer effort.<\/p>\n
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