Orlando Magic Playbook: 5 ways the Orlando Magic offense changed after the All-Star Break

Shot distribution

The Orlando Magic’s shot distribution also greatly improved after the All-Star Break as the team raced out more.

True, the team’s effective field goal percentage decreased after the break. The team still struggled to make shots as even Terrence Ross could not get his 3-point shooting going. The Magic’s offense though improved its efficiency despite this fact.

The team did a better job getting more efficient shots. Even though the team was not making 3-pointers at a great clip, the quality of the shots was better. This was a clear product of the team’s improved spacing. Even the threat of Ross making 3-pointers helped the team.

The Magic’s shot distribution improved dramatically after the All-Star Break.

Orlando Magic

Before the All-Star Break, the Magic took 30.6 percent of their shots within five feet of the basket, 29.8 percent of their shots from beyond the arc and 27.3 percent of their shots from within 10-24 feet (not including 3-pointers). It was roughly an even distribution between these three sets of shots.

Ignore the fact, the Magic struggled to make shots for the moment (we will get to that later). This distribution suggests the team was struggling to create good opportunities.

After the break, the script changed slightly. The Magic took 32.1 percent of their shots within five feet of the basket, 30.3 percent of their shots from beyond the arc and, more importantly, just 25.2 percent of their shots from 10-24 feet (not including 3-pointers). This distribution seems to be much more in line with what a successful team performs.

No one is expecting the Magic to become the Houston Rockets overnight. But there is no denying the best shots for an offense to get are either right at the rim or at the 3-point line. These are how modern offenses are built.

Orlando still has to make these shots, but the team was trending in the right direction.