The Magic lock down opponents, fueling a recent surge. Discover how their relentless defense and emerging stars are steering their season toward success.
The Orlando Magic, now sitting at 6–6, are beginning to settle into the regular-season expectations that surrounded them entering the year. They’ve won five of their last seven and are rediscovering their identity as a hard-nosed, defense-first team. That improvement has shown up consistently, particularly against some of the league’s better offensive squads, most recently the New York Knicks.
For coach Jamahl Mosley, this improvement in play stems from one key area.
“It’s our defense,” Mosley said. “This is a team that has been averaging close to 130 and our ability to sit down and guard. It’s not a statement – it’s our process. If we can sit down and guard the right way every single night, trust the pass, share the ball, get out on the break and convert on the break, and do a better job defending without fouling – that’s our process and the result will take care of itself. We’ve got to continue to focus on our process and it starts on the defensive end of the floor.”
The Magic entered the season with high expectations, widely viewed as a top-tier defensive team poised to take a leap offensively with the addition of guard Desmond Bane. Their recent surge and Bane’s stunning game-winning three against the Portland Trail Blazers has only strengthened his confidence in the team’s direction.
“We’re trending in the right direction,” Bane said after the win against the Knicks. “Over our last seven I think we’re 5-2 and playing better basketball. It takes time. It’s new for everybody. Trying to get this thing to come together and I think we’re headed in the right direction. Keep trusting our habits and what we’re doing and enjoy the journey.”
As the season unfolds, the Magic’s push for a top seed in the Eastern Conference will hinge on two things: tightening the defense and staying healthy enough to sustain their momentum.
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