The Orlando Magic will aim to take a 3-1 first-round playoff series lead over the Detroit Pistons when they host Game 4 on Monday.

After protecting home court in Game 3, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley talked about what he would like to see when his team has a chance to defend the Kia Center again on Monday, and it begins with a key area.

“I think rebounding obviously being one big portion of it,” Mosley told the media after Monday's shoot around. “They got a lot of easy transition baskets off of our shot selection and some of our quality shots. But just again, doing all those things without fouling and working on keeping them out of the paint as best as possible.”

The Magic won the rebounding battle in Game 3, 48-42, and they received a significant contribution from center Wendell Carter Jr., who notched 17 rebounds in the win. The Magic also did well to control Cade Cunningham and limit him to 8-23 shooting from the field, and Mosley knows they will need to continue to put pressure on him.

“I think just understanding Cade’s tendencies,” Mosley said. “I think that's been very important. And not just what Wendell has done on him, but he's gotta make sure we see a crowd behind him. 

“Cade is such a great player that he finds gaps, he finds scenes, he finds angles,” he added.

“So, just being able to make the lane look crowded and be crowded when our guys are isolated versus him is so important. It's impossible to stop any great player.”

The gameplan goes well beyond Cunningham, however, as there is an understanding about how the Pistons will approach Game 4 as they find themselves down 2-1.

“That's what we've talked about,” Mosley said. “Knowing exactly how they're gonna come out. There's gonna be a level of aggression, a level of physicality, a level of toughness. And start off the game aggressive right away.

“So, being able to exceed that level of physicality, that level of toughness, that level of aggression,” he added. “We've gotta make sure we come out and be ready to throw the first punch.”

With three games in the series completed, the dynamics of how games are being played have begun to shift in terms of intensity. WIth that in mind, Mosley and the Magic are focused on a key tenant that has been integral to their process throughout the season.

“I think that comes down to the little things within the game,” Mosley said. “And we've been saying this throughout the year. Those little things matter within a game. So, it is the one free throw line box out that you don't get and the extra possession. 

“It is that one turnover in the second quarter that changes the game. It's when you can actually take care of the ball and make the on-time, on-target pass. Those are what the playoffs are about.”

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!

For additional coverage, subscribe to our Full Court Magic Podcast!