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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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Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks
MILWAUKEE, WI – FEBRUARY 9: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 9, 2019 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). /

Will Jonathan Isaac sustain his improvement?

Undoubtedly, a big reason for the Orlando Magic’s change and their sudden surge has been Jonathan Isaac’s emergence and sudden development. He finally has stopped looking like a rookie and is playing like someone who knows his place in the NBA and exactly how he can make himself and his teammates better.

Since Jan. 31, Jonathan Isaac is averaging 13.1 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game and 2.1 blocks per game. The block number is especially astounding for a wing player and defender. But more importantly, Isaac is shooting 47.9 percent from the floor and 36.5 percent from beyond the arc.

He has become a much more confident and capable shooter. His teammates trust him and he is rewarding them for it.

Related Story. Magic must find supporting star for Playoff push. light

Raising his own defensive play and playing with more assertiveness defensively has also tracked with the Magic’s own defensive rise. He has become a great rim protector in his own right. That alone has lifted up the team’s defense.

There are plenty of long-term questions worth asking about Isaac. What will this all mean for his offseason and his development into next season? This will be a big development summer for Isaac now that he has one full healthy NBA season under his belt. It is exciting to think about.

But Isaac has to provide something in the here and now. He has to keep increasing his production and he has to keep being a confident shooter and scorer. And the Magic have to have that trust in him.

Coach Steve Clifford said he wants to get more plays run for Jonathan Isaac. The team wants to involve him more. And the good news is Isaac usually plays within himself. He does not do anything too out of the norm or take bad shots — although he has a penchant for going to a dribble pull up to get himself into a rhythm, sometimes driving himself into a contested shot.

Isaac is still something of the weak link in the Magic’s offense. He is the fifth option in the starting lineup. And the team does not put him int he second unit to boost scoring. When the team needs defense they could turn to him, but Terrence Ross is also a capable defender.

The Magic are still seeking a way to use all of Isaac. That might not come until next season and Isaac has time to grow and expand his game.

The question, for now, is whether Isaac will continue this run of play and step up. Defenses are sure to adjust to him and take him away — or leave him open and dare him to beat them. Isaac will have to step up and perform if the Magic are to make this Playoff run.