The Orlando Magic needed a change after going on a four-game losing streak. Steve Clifford made his change to the rotation and found a spark for his bench.
There was some shock and surprise when Wesley Iwundu was the first player off the Orlando Magic’s bench in the first quarter. The Orlando Magic were down nine points at that early stage and seemed to be struggling defensively with the Toronto Raptors’ pick and roll game. It was the same thing on repeat throughout this four-game losing streak.
Wesley Iwundu was not quite the player anyone expected in this spot. Usually, that wing substitution goes to Jonathon Simmons. And it seemed strange to take him out of the rotation with how much better he was playing of late. Wesley Iwundu had not played meaningful minutes since Jonathon Simmons missed last week’s game at Chicago and then not since Orlando’s loss in Dallas before that.
But Iwundu was ready. That is something that has always been clear about him. He puts in the work and has played his role admirably whenever coach Steve Clifford has called upon him.
Not one possession after he checked in, the ball rotated out to Iwundu on the left wing. He gave a slight fake to get the defense to blow by and then attacked the rim, challenging Serge Ibaka and laying it in.
Tone set for him and for the team.
There was no running and there was no frustration. that nine-point deficit quickly disappeared. And as Clifford experimented with a new bench rotation, the Magic seemed to build confidence defensively.
Orlando found a working formula for one night and it completely flipped the script for the game.
"“What I did tonight was nothing new that I bring to the table,” Iwundu said. “I knew what was needed of me. I just went out there and executed and we got the win.”"
Iwundu has always stayed ready. Clifford said he wanted to get Iwundu in the game more but that it is tough with veteran players ahead of him. At shootaround, he told the team he would experiment with a lineup change.
It certainly worked with Iwundu who scored 10 points on 4-for-7 shooting, showing the composure that has become a mainstay for him.
Clifford said Iwundu provides a ton of energy and helps the team get out in transition more with his ability to run. The team’s pace certainly picked up. And his defensive smarts were certainly on display as he switched fairly seamlessly when he played alongside Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac. His defensive versatility provides a ton of benefit to the team.
The other move certainly carried a bit more risk. The Magic opted to move Simmons to backup point guard. While Simmons struggled to shoot at 1 for 11 on the night, he dished out six assists on the night, taking over that role with gusto.
The changes to the bench proved to help turn the tide for the Magic and keep their energy up as they outscored the Raptors 67-34 in the middle two quarters, taking as much as a 31-point lead in the game.
The strategic move turned the tide.
"“It was big,” Aaron Gordon said. “[Jonathon Simmons] is a dynamic player. He demands a lot of attention. He is also going to make the right play. He knows how to play the game. He also trusts me to handle the ball, so it’s good.”"
That decision to play Simmons at point guard carried some risk. He and the Magic struggled in the games he played point guard last year because of injuries to Elfrid Payton and D.J. Augustin. It did not feel like a natural fit and having to do that by necessity is where the team seemed to begin falling off the rails.
Things are not likely that dire this time. But only time will tell.
Simmons seemed confident with his ability to play point guard saying that the positional denominations are more of a media or fan-created distinction. He just goes out and plays his basketball and his style of play.
While Simmons’ shot was not falling he certainly did that, helping create plenty off the dribble for the team.
"“I’m a basketball player. You do what basketball thing you have to do on the court,” Simmons said. “Players make plays at the end of the day. We were able to make enough plays tonight to get the win. We’ve just got to build on it.”"
Whatever the Magic had to do, it all worked. The team had renewed energy and the team’s focus on defense was as high as a team as it has been all year.
Certainly, there was statistical evidence that removing Jerian Grant would give a small boost. The Magic have a -12.2 net rating with him on the floor, the second-worst on the team, and a +2.3 net rating with him off the floor.
Clifford said the team needed to do something after losing four games in a row. The Magic had to make some kind of change to get the team going in the right direction. He wanted to try this new alignment. It is hard not to say that it worked.
Clifford said he will try this rotation again in Sunday’s matchup with the Detroit Pistons.
He said after Wednesday’s loss to the Phoenix Suns that finding a workable bench lineup has been a key for him and the team this season. It has been one of constant struggle as the Magic have one of the worst benches in the league — a -9.4 net rating, the third worst in the league according to HoopsStats.
The big question left for the Magic is whether they can match this performance to get another win and build a winning streak before hitting the road later this week. Consistency is still the name of the game.
Several players acknowledged there was a small sense of desperation to break the four-game losing streak and get some home wins before their difficult road trip begins.
Orlando had that desperation throughout the game. The energy from the team’s lineup change compounded and grew. It did provide a new spark for the team.