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5 questions for the fourth quarter of the Orlando Magic’s 2023 season

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic enter the final quarter of the season with a lot to play for and a lot of growth still to make. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic enter the final quarter of the season with a lot to play for and a lot of growth still to make. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /
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Wendell Carter, Orlando Magic
Wendell Carter emerged as a key player for the Orlando Magic last year. He will have to continue growing as a passer to to take the next step. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

5 questions for the Orlando Magic’s fourth quarter

Can Orlando Magic harden its defensive identity?

The Orlando Magic have long said they wanted to build their identity on defense. They certainly drafted players to play that way. They made it clear this would be the backbone of their team.

The results have always been a bit mixed. And the numbers last year and even this year do not quite shout this is a great defensive outfit.

The most impressive part of the Orlando Magic’s run has been its defensive advancement — Wednesday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks notwithstanding.

The team ranks 18th in the league in defensive rating at 113.9 points allowed per 100 possessions. That is not going to make anybody leap in the air and pump their fists about the team’s defense. It is not exactly going to leave opponents shaking in their boots.

But since we start measuring the season on Dec. 7, the Magic are 10th in the league with a defensive rating of 112.9 points allowed per 100 possessions. For the full season, that 112.9 defensive rating would place the Magic 11th in the league.

That feels like progress and at least the basis for this team to continue to grow.

And the one thing the Magic trumpeted at the end of last season was their defensive improvement in the final quarter of the season. Orlando finished seventh with a defensive rating of 111.5 points allowed per 100 possessions in the final quarter of last season.

Of course, that run included the 60-point game from Kyrie Irving and a 50-point game from Saddiq Bey and an 8-13 record (an improvement for a 22-win team record-wise).

This year’s Orlando Magic team is strong defensively, but still liable to have games like Wednesday’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. As good as Orlando can be on defense, they still give up 123.0 points per 100 possessions on the second night of back-to-backs. Luckily they only have two of those left this season and one of them does not involve travel (a Los Angeles back-to-back).

The Magic have shown plenty of potential on defense but there are still plenty of areas for them to grow, especially on their 3-point defense.

The final quarter of the season does make it easier to defend. The Magic should have a goal to continue growing its defensive mentality and results.