Orlando Magic Power Rankings Roundup: The End
Matt Moore, CBS Sports
Golden State Warriors. 1. team. 41. . (66-14). Previous:
(33-47). Previous: . New Orleans Pelicans. 23. team. 69.
Orlando Magic. 24. team. 38. . (28-52). Previous:
"Did you know Elfrid Payton is shooting 47 percent from the field this season? That’s better than Ricky Rubio has ever shot. There’s a good player hidden somewhere deep, way deep down inside."
Previous: . Los Angeles Lakers. 25. team. 20. . (25-55)
If there is one bright spot for the Orlando Magic since the All-Star Break it is Elfrid Payton and his sudden re-emergence as a triple-double threat. He is averaging 13.1 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game and 8.2 assists per game since the break. He has put up five triple doubles since the break.
What has been more encouraging is exactly what Moore has pointed out. Payton is shooting 50.4 percent from the floor.
Why is this so? Payton’s shot distribution has changed almost completely. He is taking fewer 3-pointers — just 18 since the break – and working to get closer to the basket too. Payton has taken 143 of his 240 field goal attempts within five feet since the All-Star Break. He is shooting 41 field goal attempts outside of 15 feet.
That is all to say, Payton has been much more aggressive attacking the basket and getting to the rim to create for others or for himself. He has become the good Elfrid Payton everyone wants to see.
The issue is no one is sure how much to believe in Payton and this run of play. And his defense is still a big concern. But it does feel like the point guard position is on firmer ground than it was earlier in the season.