Orlando Magic Power Rankings Roundup: Elements of culture
Gerald Bourguet, Hoops Habit
Golden State Warriors. 1. team. 41. . (63-14). Previous:
. (28-49). Previous: . Philadelphia 76ers. 27. team. 93
team. 38. . (27-50). Previous: . Orlando Magic. 28
"Raise your hand if you saw this one coming: Elfrid Payton posting five triple-doubles in 17 games since the start of March after not recording a single one in the preceding 60 games. Unfortunately, even Payton’s newfound confidence and Terrence Ross 306 dunks against his old team weren’t enough to get the Orlando Magic back in the win column, with their losing streak tying a season-long skid of four straight games after a humbling double-digit loss to the lowly Nets."
Previous: . Los Angeles Lakers. 29. team. 20. . (22-55)
Continuing the theme of Elfrid Payton’s triple doubles. . . . Payton has put up great individual numbers but the Magic do not win these games. In the games Payton has had a triple double this year, the Magic are 2-3. Triple doubles do not always equal wins.
It has been this way throughout the league — ask Russell Westbrook. And it has been that way throughout Payton’s careers. He puts up these gaudy numbers late in the season in losses.
Next: Orlando Magic must learn to survive the lulls
That is not to say Payton does not have this in him. He clearly does. And the Magic and their fans would love to see it more consistently. But every factor goes into consideration when determining what direction the team goes in next.