Orlando Magic: 3 takeaways from Game 1 vs. Raptors

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) /

1. D.J. Augustin’s breakout performance

The point guard position was thought to be the weakest of the five for the Magic over the course of the regular season. D.J. Augustin had performed admirably in running the show, but not many believed in his ability to be a game-changing presence, especially once the postseason rolled around.

Any hesitation over his abilities was put to rest if only for a night following Game 1, where the 10-year veteran scored a playoff career-high-tying 25 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field and 4-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc. He chipped in six assists and only one turnover as well, keeping things under control as one of the few guys on the roster with playoff experience, as evudenced by his go-ahead shot with under five seconds remaining.

https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1117210709241131008

Orlando’s two best players in Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon do most of their damage near the rim. The Magic don’t really have a guy on the perimeter capable of creating shots for both themselves and those they share the court with.

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Augustin’s play is likely to come back down to earth moving forward. He simply isn’t as talented as his impressive performance would suggest. But if he’s able to provide his squad with a consistent go-to option with the ball in his hands, it will take immense pressure off Orlando’s frontcourt as well as add another dimension to its offense as a whole.