Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic Playbook: Aaron Gordon’s defense on Kawhi Leonard wasn’t enough

By Seth Arora

The Toronto Raptors started their road to the title with a five-game series win over the Orlando Magic. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors started their road to the title with a five-game series win over the Orlando Magic. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors, Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 24: Kyle Lowry #7 of the Toronto Raptors dribbles the ball as Aaron Gordon #00 and Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic defend during the second 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) /

Aaron Gordon’s Defensive Numbers

Aaron Gordon has worked to build a reputation as a superior defender in the NBA.

In the 2019 regular season, he forced opponents to shoot 1.7 percent worse than their season average. He showed even greater defensive potential as the season wore down, setting that figure at 2.9 percent worse in January, 6.3 percent worse in February, and 6.7 percent worse in April.

According to NBA.com, Gordon was 18th in the league in defensive win shares for players who played more than 50 games. The Magic had a decent defensive rating with Gordon on the floor at 105.9 points allowed per 100 possessions. And he held opponents to 44.2 percent shooting.

According to Basketball-Reference, he was in the top quarter of the league in Defensive Box Plus Minus and defensive win shares.

Overall, for the season, Gordon fit the profile of a productive, solid, and improving defender.

Then he got matched up with Kawhi Leonard. And those numbers changed.