The Orlando Magic hit the road for the first big road trip and found a bit of their identity to win three games. They rose up the power rankings thusly.
Last week, the Orlando Magic were sinking.
They lost three games at home during the Thanksgiving break before heading out on a difficult five-game road trip and it seemed like the season was nearing a turning point. Frank Vogel changed his lineup for a second time and, despite a growing defensive identity, and needed to reconfigure some things.
The new lineup has led to a bit more offensive and defensive balance. The Magic continue to run away as the hottest defense in the league and the offense has been at least average the last week.
The Magic went out on the road to start a five-game trip last week with few hopes of experiencing success after those home losses. Instead they defeated the San Antonio Spurs, blew out the Philadelphia 76ers and toppled the Detroit Pistons. Ignore that hiccup in Memphis against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Sitting at 3-1 on the road heading into Tuesday’s game against the Washington Wizards (and the only four-games-in-five-nights stretch this season), the Magic have to feel like they are playing somewhat with house money as they head home for a more balanced and home-heavy back half of December.
If Orlando has intentions of making its Playoff push, it would appear this week would be the catalyst.
Of course, the Magic have said that before. They have struggled to put together consecutive strong weeks. And this week will not be easy.
Despite all the defensive accolades and attention, the Magic still are 9-12 and struggling to find consistency. They are fighting to remain in the Playoff hunt early in the season.
Whether anyone is beginning to believe in this team or is overly impressed with what the Magic did this past week is part of this week’s Power Rankings Roundup.
To be sure, Orlando has to start matching these solid weeks to begin gaining some momentum toward its Playoff bid.