5 things the Orlando Magic still have to play for

5 things the Orlando Magic still have to play for

A winning home record

The motto that accompanied the Orlando Magic’s black (kind-of) chain-mail-looking City Edition jerseys this year was “Kingdom on the Rise.” That motto is plastered at various parts around the Amway Center as this young team “prepares for battle.”

The whole thing felt a bit forced — although the Orlando skyline on the new City Edition court was a great touch — and it may not have completely connected with fans (all credit though to the local artist who designed the jersey and I hope we get a white version next year because that will probably look a lot better).

But the idea behind this marketing campaign was a statement of ambition. The team had its top pick in the draft and a young core. They were going to be a force to be reckoned with.

And that starts at the Amway Center. That starts with defending the home court. And the Magic still have a chance to earn a winning home record.

After Tuesday’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Orlando Magic are 20-20 at the Amway Center. It is a small thing, but winning at home has clearly meant a lot to the players on this team. They want to show out at home.

The Cavaliers are going to open the door for them to do so Thursday. Cleveland will sit Jarrett Allen (right groin strain), Darius Garland (lower left leg contusion), Caris LeVert (right knee soreness), Donovan Mitchell (left finger sprain) and Evan Mobley (rest) for Thursday’s home finale. The Cavaliers have already locked themselves into fourth in the Eastern Conference. They have nothing to play for.

Yes, the Magic would rather test themselves and get some measure of revenge against a fully-formed Cavs team. But a win is a win. And a win Thursday would give the Magic their first winning home record since going 18-13 in the 2020 season (you know before the pandemic shut the season down).

There is obviously still a lot for the Magic to grow. But it has been a stellar season at the Amway Center for the Orlando Magic — including wins over the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns (granted an undermanned pre-Kevin Durant Suns team), LA Clippers, Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets.

Beyond questions from team-based media asking about fan support, this is a real thing. It is a base for a team to grow. Young teams always play better at home.

And the fans have shown up for the Magic this year. Four of the five most-attended games in Magic history have happened this year — including Sunday’s game against the tanking Detroit Pistons and Tuesday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Fans showed up in surprising numbers for a 5:30 p.m. midweek tip-off the day before a hurricane came bearing down on Central Florida. Fans have shouted down opposing fans from the New York Knicks, Miami Heat and others.

There is real energy and excitement about this team. And winning at home is how you get fans to buy into what you are building.

A winning home record is certainly a symbol of that growth.