The Orlando Magic struggle to maintain big leads, but the numbers behind this troubling characteristic show a deeper problem.
The explosion of 3-point attempts throughout the NBA caused a sea change in how teams score the ball, scout players and game plan.
Some teams baked the 3-point revolution into building their own rosters. The result is several heavy-hitting teams who can use their considerable talent from beyond the arc to fight their way back into contests. Just ask the typical opponents of the full-strength Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles powerhouses in the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers or the Milwaukee Bucks.
So, they say in the modern NBA, no lead is safe.
In the 2020 season, Orlando Magic fans can attest to that.
Seasoned Magic fans watching the team or following the team on social media often see the same thing: That is the collective groan you hear whenever the team begins to falter with a late lead. “Team X has now cut the Magic’s lead to 3.” “After Orlando goes 3 for their last 853 field goal attempts, Team Y is now within 2.”
There is a reason Orlando Pinstriped Post was once aptly named Third Quarter Collapse.
It makes for a frustrating fan experience and is likely even more frustrating for the team and organization themselves. Especially as the team considers itself a playoff contender. They want to eliminate the instances where they lose big leads. They want to win.
Here, we dive into how the Magic handle big leads. Magic fans, pour yourselves a drink or ten.