Orlando Magic Daily
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5 takeaways from the Orlando Magic’s 2021 season

By Devonta Davis

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Amway Center, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JANUARY 04: General view of the arena prior to the game between the Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers at Amway Center on January 04, 2021 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. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

4. Home sweet home?

While the previous season’s record was not one to be proud of, the Orlando Magic did play better in the Amway Center than they did on the road, averaging more points, more assists and more shots made in their games there.

The home team effect came at the other end of the floor, as the team played their best defense with their fans cheering them on.

With everyone trying to get back to normal from the pandemic, it is encouraging to see the team playing with an extra edge to protect their home floor.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

After drafting Gonzaga Bulldogs standout Jalen Suggs with the fifth pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, the attendance should increase.

Both Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner should fit in perfectly with the Magic’s system, with new head coach Jamahl Mosley getting ready to bring his defensive mindset to the organization.

Suggs was known for his tenacious defense in college, and he has the scoring to match leaving his potential to be a star in this league up to his ability to adapt to the NBA game. Wagner is also no slouch on the defensive end of the floor and will look to bring his finishing ability to the Amway Center.

3. This team has heart

After trading away their All-Star big man in Nikola Vucevic and a high-flying wing in Aaron Gordon, many fans believed the Orlando Magic were waving the white flag and giving up on their rebuild process, which started after their star Dwight Howard left in 2012.

While their record might not reflect it, there was plenty of effort to go around from the young group with quality games down the stretch against the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers showing they would not back down from potential title contenders. However, the most impressive was the change in the way the team played after the March trade deadline.

The defensive intensity picked up through statistics that are not often looked for on a box score spreadsheet. This type of tenacious play led to an increase in team scoring overall, offensive rebounding, and a team-oriented style of basketball.