Limit turnovers and transition
In that game against the Toronto Raptors on April 1, the Orlando Magic had 13 turnovers that led to 18 points for Toronto and to 11 fast-break points. The Magic did a good job getting back and keeping the Raptors from transition (doing a better job themselves getting out in the open court).
And that 13-turnover number might feel a bit low. It would be for a lot of teams. But the Magic have gone through this season as one of the best teams in the league at protecting the ball.
Orlando finished the regular season sixth in the league with a 13.3 percent turnover rate. They gave up the third-fewest points off turnovers in the league (14.7 per game) and ninth in opponent fast-break points (12.7 per game). In that matchup on April 1, Orlando uncharacteristically was sloppy with the ball.
The last thing the Magic can do in this series is to give the Raptors extra possessions like this. And this is exactly what the Raptors are good at.
Toronto was fourth in the league with 18.4 fast-break points per game and ninth in points off turnovers with 17.2 per game. The Raptors do a very good job forcing turnovers — ninth in opponent turnover rate at 14.7 percent. Giving this team easy opportunities or falling into its defensive traps is a recipe for danger.
Orlando has taken on the Steve Clifford mentality of not beating themselves. They do not give up a ton of offensive rebounds or commit a lot of turnovers. Teams have to beat them in a half-court game to win. And that is the toughest thing to do.
But if the Magic do have a weakness — or inconsistency — with their defense, it is in transition. Orlando has shed much of these bad habits, but they can be a bit disorganized in transition and some of their players at times give into frustration.
When Orlando does mistakes, teams can take advantage of them here. This is an area to attack with their defense, even if it is a small window.
Whether the Magic make the Raptors beat them in the half court will be key to the entire series.