The Magic will finish the year as a top five defensive unit in points allowed per game and field goal percentage.
The Magic displayed what type of defensive team they could be when everyone buys into the defensive concept against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The team displayed a poor execution on defense in the first half giving up 62 points. The Magic came out in the second half with a different attitude.The team limited the Pelicans to 43 points in the second half, 20 in the fourth quarter.
When engaged, the Magic showed they can and will protect the rim, an area of weakness the team has had since the Dwight Howard era.
The offense appeared to feed off the stout defense. Baskets came easily as the Magic made perimeter stops and got out in transition. But the focus will have to be on keeping the defense priority one.
If the Magic can keep the foot on the defensive gas pedal then they will finish as a top five defensive team.