Orlando Magic Daily
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NBA Playoffs: 3 Keys for the Orlando Magic to win Game 1 over the Toronto Raptors

By Philip Rossman-Reich

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 1: Kawhi Leonard #2 and Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors battle for a rebound with Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 1, 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)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 1: Kawhi Leonard #2 and Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors battle for a rebound with Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic during the first half of an NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on April 1, 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) /
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Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors, Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 20: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic on November 20, 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) /

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.