Windhorst dissects Orlando's defensive intensity overwhelming Detroit. The Pistons' collapse is a tale of turnovers and stifled offense.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst offered a blistering assessment of the Eastern Conference playoffs, suggesting the Orlando Magic have effectively ended the Detroit Pistons' season following a Game 4 victory. Windhorst characterized the series as an "absolute collapse" for a Detroit roster that appears unprepared for Orlando’s intensity as the Magic have gone up 3-1 in the series.
"Yeah, the magic are playing with incredible passion and aggression at the defensive end of the court," Windhorst said. "This has really been a series about defense. The magic were not as good defensively as all of us thought they would be during the regular season. Their defensive potential has been unveiled in this postseason, and Cade Cunningham has been running into a wall.
"There is no reason for the magic to respect the outside shooting of the Pistons;" Windhorst added. They have packed the paint. Cade Cunningham keeps trying to force his way into it. He's got 24 turnovers in the past three games. And Jalen Duren, it was very unfortunate for Detroit fans, appropriate that Duren was the one getting dunked on there by Jamal Cain, because after a breakout, spectacular, awesome regular season during has gone away in this series, especially offensively."
Following the Magic's recent win, coach Jamahl Mosley took the podium emphasizing the importance of closing out the series.
On the "by committee" defense against Cade Cunningham:
"You can't guard Cade Cunningham one-on-one; it takes a committee. There is a reason why he is in the MVP candidate race—he's a tough guard who plays big and with poise. You have to figure out a way to get into the ball without fouling him. We’re using multiple people and different coverages just to keep him guessing."
On Wendell Carter Jr.’s versatility and double-double:
"He’s been that for us all year—being able to guard multiple positions, switch, trap, and play different coverages. He’s selfless and does whatever is necessary for the team. His ability to move his feet and then get back in the paint for a rebound is huge. He's taking on the challenge every single night."
On facing a Detroit team facing elimination:
"We’ve felt exactly what they are capable of doing. It’s not a team that’s going to back down, and they are coached by a guy who won't let them. Our ability has to be to exceed their effort, sustain our energy, and make sure we do all the little things within the game."
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast
For additional coverage, subscribe to our Full Court Magic Podcast!