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Rotations by James Borrego Largely to Blame in Magic Loss to Washington

By Brett David Roberts

Feb 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon (3) looks to shoot as Washington Wizards forward Drew Gooden (90) defends during the third quarter at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards defeated Orlando Magic 96-80. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Orlando Magic center Dewayne Dedmon (3) looks to shoot as Washington Wizards forward Drew Gooden (90) defends during the third quarter at Verizon Center. Washington Wizards defeated Orlando Magic 96-80. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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2) Nikola Vucevic is drawing a lot of attention, but the other Magic players aren’t sure what to do with it.

Vucevic’s passes often result in “hockey assists,” but more should result in actual assists, it seems…At the 3:05 mark of the second quarter, he hit Elfrid Payton near the basket and Elfrid dumped it to Kyle O’Quinn for a flush.

The perimeter players rightfully involved Vucevic in a lot of pick and rolls. This nearly always results in a bucket because it helps Vucevic establish deeper position and he finishes well with both hands.

Former Magic player and Dwight Howard back-up Marcin Gortat got aggressive in trying to push Vucevic further from the hoop, occasionally drawing a whistle for it, but largely getting away with a lot of shoving, so Vucevic cannot be blamed there.

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For as good of a season as Vucevic is having, Gortat is a very formidable threat in his own right (see: 14 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists).

Vucevic had 10 points in the third quarter, but with the game out of reach he was benched at the start of the fourth. While developing players is the last remaining purpose for this season, there is no sense risking Vucevic in a blowout since he is vital towards the Magic even being mildly competitive.

Vucevic finished with one assist, and it has not been his fault. The Magic wingmen continue to put up weak shots in the paint rather than go right at the rim.

Aaron Gordon was the biggest offender of the soft looks, putting up two missed layups in the first quarter.  It was smart on Borrego’s part nonetheless to leave both Gordon and Vucevic on the court longer than the other three starters.

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