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2018-19 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Khem Birch

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 14: Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic rebounds the ball against the Charlotte Hornets on February 14, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 14: Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic rebounds the ball against the Charlotte Hornets on February 14, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Khem Birch, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 14: Khem Birch #24 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 14, 2019 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Best Game of 2019

March 14 vs. Cavaliers: 13 points, 11 rebounds

It is hard to pinpoint any single game for Khem Birch. He is not someone who will post a ton of big numbers. Birch is a grinder in every sense of the word, doing things that do not show up in the box score.

The points he does score typically come off garbage points around the basket. He is not one looking to score. He takes as much pleasure on a good screen set — he is perhaps the best screener on the team — as he does making a shot around the basket.

It would be as easy to point out his four-block game against the Boston Celtics in January, a turning point game for the team. The energy he brought defensively was always a plus and what the team expected from him. That was his role.

So when he did dominate the game on the glass or on the scoreboard, it certainly stands out.

During the five-game homestand in March, the Orlando Magic got their chance for some vengeance against the Cleveland Cavaliers after a loss in Cleveland a few weeks earlier. The Magic left no doubt in this game from the very start they were going to dominate and run away with it.

In the 29-point win, Birch recorded his only double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds. But there was really nothing special about this game. The ball for the Magic moved extremely well and that means it found Birch.

It is hard to differentiate Birch’s games because they were so solid and consistent. He was rarely in the wrong spot defensively and rarely making mistakes. A credit to his consistency.