Orlando Magic’s best options to close
Terrence Ross
It was not so long ago that Terrence Ross was the Orlando Magic’s fourth-quarter savior.
The team in 2019 had the most come-from-behind victories in the fourth quarter of any team in the league. And a big reason for it was Ross.
Magic fans fell in love with Ross because he could score baskets in bunches against good defense. That would spark the team back into games and give them a ton of energy.
It was a big reason why during that 2019 season that Terrence Ross got the closing minutes over Jonathan Isaac, who was the starter. Ross is the super sixth man for the team and a huge shot of adrenaline for the team.
Ross does not have any game-winners per se to his name. He hit the go-ahead bucket in the win over the Golden State Warriors back in 2019 and had some big shots in a loss to the New York Knicks back in January. He is more the guy that gets the team into those clutch situations with fourth-quarter flurries.
But undoubtedly, Ross is high on the scouting report for most teams, especially now. They know this is a player the Magic are going to run plays especially for.
That explains why Ross is in the top quarter of the league in any measure for gravity and probably why his 3-point field goal percentage has dipped — to 33.7-percent on 5.7 3-point attempts per game last year.
Ross definitely put a focus on trying to hit more shots off the dribble and hit mid-range jumpers last year as a way to diversify his game. He knows teams are trying to chase him off the 3-point line and limit his cutting.
Last year, Ross led the team 34 points in clutch situations according to NBA.com. He did this in 59 minutes, making 11 of 28 shots and 8 of 17 3-pointers. Ross’ efficiency increased in clutch situations even while he remained willing to take shots in those moments.
He has been this way for several years too.
In 2020, Ross scored 35 points in 83 clutch minutes, shooting 31.3-percent (10 for 32) and 33.3-percent from beyond the arc (9 for 27). In 2019, Ross tallied 64 points in 128 clutch minutes, shooting 38.9-percent and 29.4-percent from deep.
Last year was an especially good year for clutch minutes and shooting from Ross. Although notably, the Magic played fewer clutch minutes than in the past two seasons.
Ross will remain an important part of the offense as long as he is on the team. The Magic are still going to lean on Ross to give everyone else space and an outlet. Expect Ross to be a part of whatever closing lineup the Magic ultimately decide on.