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Orlando Magic: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Raptors

By Daniel Lubofsky

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 13: Evan Fournier #10 and Aaron Gordon #00 celebrate with D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic after Augustin hit the game winning shot during Game One of the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on April 13, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 13: Evan Fournier #10 and Aaron Gordon #00 celebrate with D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic after Augustin hit the game winning shot during Game One of the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on April 13, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /
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(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)
(Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) /

3. Team effort offensively

Throughout the regular season, the Magic have been a team built on its depth throughout the roster. Nikola Vucevic was a first-time All-Star, but other than that, Orlando required contributions from a number of sources in order to remain competitive.

In Game 1 up North, head coach Steve Clifford got more help than he could’ve ever imagined, with all five starters in double figures led by D.J. Augustins game-high tying 25 points along with two guys off the bench crossing the threshold as well.

It’s always great for teams to be carried on the back of one or two players, but productivity across the board posses a number of difficulties for the opposition. They can’t simply cut off the head of the snake. It becomes an issue of paying attention to everyone on the court at all times, knowing full well that any of them could be the one to score on any given play.

The Magic canned 48.3 percent of their 29 looks from beyond the arc as well as 18 of their 20 looks from the free throw line. Orlando might not have many recognizable names, but when its guys are hitting shots with tremendous efficiency, even the best defensive teams will struggle at times to stop them.