A few weeks ago, the Orlando Magic were teetering on the verge of a collapse. After hovering above .500 despite various player injuries, the Magic were rewarded with a spot in the Play-In Tournament. Losing to the Philadelphia 76ers put Orlando in a precarious position, but winning over the Charlotte Hornets gave them a sigh of relief… only to face the top-seeded Detroit Pistons in the opening round of the postseason. But four games in, things are looking much different for the Magic. 

Orlando has played with a different energy as of late, controlling the paint on both ends and punishing the Pistons, who look as if they spent all their energy on the regular season. There was talk before about how the Magic were playing below their potential, but now they have nine players playing at least 13.5 minutes per game contributing in a variety of ways. The likes of Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr. have been the main contributors to Orlando’s cause, and their bodies have fortunately been cooperating through the postseason. 

Banchero has been the leader of the pack, and while his offensive efficiency is not at its best, he has nonetheless been a thorn on the side of Detroit, who have had trouble containing his ability to get to the free throw line. 

Bane has also provided a big boost for the Magic. Acquiring Bane in the offseason was meant to be an upgrade and while the former TCU Horned Frog was already in a good spot with the Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando is looking even better for him. 

The Magic’s current run may not be unprecedented, but the offensive numbers would make you think that Orlando is the one facing a 3-1 series deficit. They barely average 100 points per game and they have the worst field goal percentage among the 16 playoff teams and are last in assists per game. Defensively, though, the Magic are among the elite, as they are in the top three for rebounds, steals, and blocks. It has allowed them to shut down Detroit from the jump and with Orlando only needing one more win, expect them not to let up. 

Consecutive first-round postseason exits have hounded the Orlando Magic in the last two seasons, and with the way things stand now, they could very well exercise the ghosts that have haunted them in the past. Of course, 3-1 deficits are not insurmountable and the Detroit Pistons can go on a huge run to take the series, but the Magic have rendered their efforts futile with a punishing effort on both ends of the floor. Orlando is in prime position to end things at home, and what better way to extend their postseason run than doing so in front of their home crowd.