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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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(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Defensive effort

Orlando was one of the best defensive teams in the league during the regular season, ranking 8th in defensive rating. In Game 1, its prowess at that end of the floor was on full display in holding the Raptors to just 101 points, over 10 points below there season average of 114.4.

The most notable victim of the Magic’s tenacity defensively was All-Star Kyle Lowry, who managed to score a grand total of zero points on seven shot attempts, raising more questions about his ability to perform in the postseason after past struggles.

For as well as their offense managed to perform in Game 1, the Magic can’t always rely on that type of productivity consistently. More often than not, Orlando will struggle to put points on the board as evidenced by its 24th ranked offense during the regular season, pushing even more important to the other end of the floor.

If they can continue to make things difficult for the Raptors and keep the game within striking distance — in part by holding them to just 33.3 percent shooting from downtown — that effort will go a long way towards coming out of Game 2 and beyond with more victories.