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5 Questions for the Orlando Magic’s Fourth Quarter

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 23: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic and the Orlando Magic bench celebrate during the game against the Miami Heat on December 23, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 23: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic and the Orlando Magic bench celebrate during the game against the Miami Heat on December 23, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Terrence Ross, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 24: Terrance Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball as Jeremy Lin #17 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on February 24, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

Can the Orlando Magic improve in close games?

The Orlando Magic are not as bad in close games as everyone thinks.

There have been a lot of notable cases of the Magic making big plays in big moments. Evan Fournier has game-winning baskets over the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons. Terrence Ross hit a big shot against the Philadelphia 76ers to clinch that game.

Then, most recently, there was Aaron Gordon‘s go-ahead 3-pointer and putback against the Golden State Warriors and Terrence Ross’ fourth-quarter burst and Evan Fournier’s make-good shot against the Indiana Pacers.

The Magic have had their successes late in games for sure. They are more than capable.

Then again, those games have also had their shaky moments. Not to mention the blown leads and two fourth quarters to forget against the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers, there are definitely still plenty to work on.

Against the Pacers, for instance, the Magic gave up a 5-0 run thanks to a miracle three by Darren Collison (that happens) and then a turnover when Thaddeus Young ripped the ball away from Evan Fournier. That made it a two-point game. Fournier made good on the miscue with a three to clinch the game.

The Orlando Magic’s loss on Sunday to the Cleveland Cavaliers was their first loss by more than 10 points since Jan. 9 against the Utah Jazz. The Magic have played in a lot of close games this year.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

According to NBA.com, the Magic have played in 38 games within five points in the final five minutes. That is the second-most in the NBA. Their 16-22 record should leave them with some regret. But also plenty of opportunities.

To say the least, there is no reason to believe this will not change. The Magic will be playing close games the rest of the season. And these 50/50 decisions are essentially coin flips the team can have some effect on.

The Magic are better at close games than fans likely want to admit. But they have been plenty shaky in them too.

They have struggled under pressure throughout the season — another big question they have to answer, so stay tuned. They are still learning how to get the better of things in these late-game situations. For better or for worse.

That will only heighten as the pressure increases and the games run out. Every opportunity to win is one the Magic cannot let go.

They have had their moments of brilliance late in games. But also plenty of moments of struggle. The former has to become more than the latter. The team needs to continue building confidence they can close and finish close games down the stretch.