The Orlando Magic rank fifth in defensive rating and are starting to flex their defensive muscle. This is very impressive considering they are missing.
Before last year, the Orlando Magic struggled to find an identity throughout this rebuild.
Then finally, during their 22-9 run to make the playoffs last year, they became a very good defensive team. They finally found a way to play every night.
Orlando entered this season expecting to be one of the best defensive teams in the league. To make the playoffs again — and possibly do more — was all staked on the team’s potentially elite defense.
The beginning of the season saw the Magic play some incredible defense — holding opponents to less than a point per possession in six of their first 11 games. But that began to slip as the team focused more on its offensive shortcomings. The Magic sank a bit as they struggled to find their defensive footing.
People began to question whether or not the Magic defense from a year ago was a fluke and whether or not their run last season was just a mirage. Orlando was either going change or the accusations of their defense not being all that great will turn out to be true.
But now its all changing and questions are being answered, as they seem ready to turn the corner. The Magic must stay on their track of becoming an elite defensive team if they want to continue to win games.
The Magic rank fifth in defensive rating giving up 104.9 points per 100 possessions. In their last 10 games, the Magic lead the league in defensive rating, conceding 98.1 points per 100 possessions. In the last 10 games, Orlando is the only team giving up less than a point per possession.
Orlando has found a way to have a chance to win every night with their defense. This is a characteristic of a good team which is a good sign.
This is very impressive considering they are missing Al-Farouq Aminu, Michael Carter-Williams and Jonathan Isaac with injuries. All three players are considered to be defensive players, especially Jonathan Isaac, who was on pace to be part of an all-defensive team and a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
The Magic have improved their defensive intensity, and they must continue their play if they want to have a successful second half to their season.
As of now, they have a comfortable lead on the ninth-seeded Charlotte Hornets by 4.5 games. If they can continue to maintain that lead and make the playoffs comfortably, then their season will be considered a success.
For that to happen, they have to continue to play elite defense.
Orlando is in a tough position as they are playing elite defense, but they continue to deal with injuries.
Regardless of what they decide to do at the trade deadline or moving forward, the Magic must remain an elite defensive team to keep their spot in the playoff race.
The second half of the season will test Orlando’s defense as they continue to struggle with injuries. They will either continue to compete with a great defense or they will let up and will fall in the standings and have to fight for position and potential fallout of the top eight altogether.
With these questions being answered and the season trending in the right direction, this upcoming stretch will determine whether this season is a success or a failure.