The Orlando Magic had a breakout 2023-24 NBA season, which concluded in a hard-fought first-round series with the Cleveland Cavaliers that saw them go the full, seven-game distance before bowing out. It helped boost the team’s chemistry and maturity, but most notably the overall game of their franchise man, Paolo Banchero, the 2021 top overall pick.
As such, many predicted the group to move forward in the 2024-25 campaign. It was looking good, until Banchero got sidelined indefinitely with a torn oblique last October 31st, just five games in. What made it more terrible was that he had just recorded 50 and 31 points in the two games prior to getting hurt. The 22-year-old is scheduled to be evaluated somewhere between late November and mid December.
The sudden absence put the Magic in a bind as Banchero was their go-to guy, and the second, third, and fourth guy relied considerably on the defense he’s attracting. As expected, Orlando would drop the next four games on the schedule, with three coming by double digits.
Fast forward to just over a week, though, the Magic seem to be responding to the call. Head coach Jamahl Mosley and his men are battling adversity with nicely adjusted schemes on both ends of the floor, driven by a well-rounded effort from the whole rotation.
Orlando has won four consecutive games, three of which in dominating fashion:
- November 9th vs. New Orleans Pelicans – 115-88
- November 11th vs. Washington Wizards – 121-94
- November 13th vs. Charlotte Hornets – 114-89
- November 14th vs. Indiana Pacers – 94-90
They are putting up 111.0 points per game on the board during that stretch while only surrendering 90.3 points in return, which puts their average winning margin at 20.7 points. True to the old saying, defense is what’s making the most difference. The guys are limiting opponents to a horrid 40.4% shooting and having them commit 18.0 turnovers per contest.
Here’s a good breakdown of their defensive style:
After their win against the Pacers, a team that features a fast-paced offense with a deep personnel, forward Jonathan Isaac pointed out their unrelenting effort even on the second night of the back-to-back:
As of the offense, it’s being led by Banchero’s partner in crime, Franz Wagner, who is tasked to fill much of the void. The former University of Michigan standout is making the most of the increased usage, netting 27.8 points, 6.0 assists, and 1.8 steals in the four games since his All-Star teammate went down. His confidence will only continue to grow, and it should be interesting to see how far he can take it, and how it can further develop the under-the-radar Banchero-Wagner tandem later in the season, including the playoffs.
The Magic have the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, LA Clippers, and the Los Angeles Lakers next on their schedule. They have their work cut out for them, but it’s an excellent opportunity to further the growth of their upstart squad.
