Orlando Magic: 3 keys to making 2019 NBA Playoffs
By Luke Duffy
1. Ride their defensive momentum
Over the last 10 games, the Magic have led the entire league in defensive rating, with a rating of 100.7. This has been their best stretch by far on that end of the court, with head coach Steve Clifford’s values clearly having an impact.
The introduction of Birch to the second unit has helped as well, but throughout this run, it has been great to see how well they can clamp down on whatever team they come up against. Aaron Gordon is quietly having the best season of his young career on this side of the ball too.
He has gone from being a dunking machine into a more well-rounded two-way player, and it’s most notable defensively. Jonathan Isaac has been influential here too, and he has begun to break out since the turn of the year. Even Evan Fournier, who has his detractors throughout the Magic fanbase, has been helped by the arrival of Clifford.
There’s no reason why they can’t keep this play up, and to do so against the weaker opponents outlined earlier should lead to more wins. Although the Magic’s offensive ability hasn’t shone as brightly, over the last 10 games they also have the sixth-highest assist percentage (64.6 percent) too.
This speaks to the selflessness with which they’ve played at times throughout the campaign so far, which they’re really putting together now. It has also leaked into their defensive consciousness, with players covering for one another and bailing each other out of tough situations.
To be better than every other team, even for one-eighth of the season, points to a dramatic improvement in a particular area. That this also happens to be one of the most important parts of the season shows that the playoffs are an achievable target.
How they finish out the season in this category more than any other, will dictate not only if they can make the postseason, but also if they can snag the seventh (or even sixth) seed.