Black Hole Hoops Week 5: Magic in the Air

The Orlando Magic have now won seven straight games, with a list of victims that includes the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets. For hardcore hoops junkies, they have been must-see programming. However, when observing the media landscape, no one is really talking about just how good the Magic have been. With the lack of coverage comes a lack of understanding, so how have the Orlando Magic suddenly found themselves with a 7-1 record over the last two weeks? And is this level of success something they can sustain?

What immediately jumps out about the Magic is their defense. As of right now, they have the second-best defensive rating in the league, only allowing 107.5 points per 100 possessions. That isn’t just good, that is elite. And over the span of two days, they defeated two of the best teams in the NBA, even going so far as to hold the Celtics under 100 points. As a unit, they have more than earned the Black Hole Hoops nod.

Disrupting any team in the NBA is going to involve throwing their stars out of rhythm, and the Magic did exactly that against Boston, forcing Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum into a combined 13-38 (including 2-11 from three) from the floor. Brown in particular struggled mightily, shooting a horrible 6-22. What exactly had him so bothered?

Brown missed his final 13 shots in the game. Before he built the newest house in Brick City, he was torching the Magic with a performance to the tune of 6-9 from the floor. He then unraveled in the third quarter. First, he missed a stepback three. No big deal, that’s a tough shot. Then he missed a layup. Rising Magic star Paolo Banchero slid to contest, but it was still an easy opportunity due to Brown’s full head of steam. Brown drew a few different matchups, though the player who really gave him fits was Banchero. The only shot he hit against Banchero was a corner three in transition. He missed the next four shots.

One of things that makes the Magic an elite defense is their length. They have long, rangey players throughout the roster, and Paolo is the most prominent. He’s 6’10, he moves like a guard, and is blessed with a 7’1 wingspan. Even if he isn’t in the best position to block shots, he definitely alters them. All he had to do was step into Brown’s space and fight through some screens, and it was enough to bother Jaylen all night.

And that really is the tale of the tape. Even when Orlando was forced into situations where smaller defenders switched onto Brown, he was unable to capitalize on the opportunities due to stout defending and less than optimal shot selection. Just for reference, Cole Anthony guarded six of Brown’s shot attempts, and Brown missed all but one. Anthony is 6’2, Brown is 6’6.

Now, I’d hate to leave you wanting, but I’m cutting this piece short because the Magic deserve more than just a Black Hole Hoops nod. As I said at the top, they have been a must-watch for the first time since Dwight Howard was their star. Be on the lookout for more about the Orlando Magic soon from Full Court Dime. Know this: once they find their offensive identity, they are going to be a perennial playoff team, and they are only a few steps away from title contention.

All said, for beating both the Nuggets and Celtics in back-to-back games, the Magic as a unit have earned the Black Hole Hoops spotlight for Week 5 of NBA action. Keep your eye on them. They’re blossoming into a problem for the East.