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Orlando Magic Week 1 Takeaways: Scott Skiles knows what he is doing

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Oct 28, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Scott Skiles reacts against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Amway Center. Washington Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic 88-87. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Scott Skiles reacts against the Washington Wizards during the second half at Amway Center. Washington Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic 88-87. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Scott Skiles, Orlando Magic, Victor Oladipo
Oct 30, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Scott Skiles talks with guard Victor Oladipo (5) as the game goes onto overtime against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Amway Center. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Orlando Magic 139-136 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

By David Iwanowski

As expected, Scott Skiles can improve the team defense, but the offense is a work in progress.

The Magic are 15th in the league in defensive rating entering Monday’s games. They finished 25th last season with a 105.2 rating. After three games against very good teams they have a 98.3 defensive rating, a number that would have been second in the NBA last season and only 0.1 points per 100 possessions behind the Golden State Warriors.

Only time will tell if that continues to be a strength for them.

The offense certainly has not followed the trend of the defense. The Magic are 25th in offensive rating with 93 points per 100 possessions, after ending last season 27th in the NBA with a 99.6 offensive rating.

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The negatives on offense have been in the shooting and shot selection. They are 25th in effective field goal percentage and 27th in true shooting percentage.

For an example of shot selection issues, the Magic are fourth in the league in field goal attempts between 15 and 19 feet, and are converting them at 29.6 percent. They are shooting 29.3 percent from three.

Orlando is 20th in free throw attempts per game and should look to increase that number, especially considering how the shooting has struggled.

The shooting abilities will likely improve as the season goes on, but the Magic need to look for more efficient shots.

The ball movement has looked good at times, specifically the first three quarters against Oklahoma City, but Orlando needs to focus on keeping that style of play consistent and limiting isolations.

The coaching staff has made it a clear focus to improve the defense, and it has looked better so far. It appears time for them to focus on improving the offense now.

Next: A promising start

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