The Orlando Magic got their preseason started with a 122-118 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, and on Friday, coach Sean Sweeney had a lot of positive things to say about his team.

Sweeney emphasized the connected nature of the group, and he highlighted the strong ball movement the Magic displayed. From a defensive perspective, Sweeney also liked his team’s effort, though he believed they were a little slow at times.

The preseason is giving Orlando a chance to work out its game plan and address its weaknesses in a game setting. Sweeney did mention that in the preseason, not every single thing can be worked on or addressed. 

However, the Magic were on the same page in the win, and that pleased Sweeney.

From Sweeney’s perspective, the way the team worked together on the floor was important. Both Sweeney and his staff can say what they want to as coaches, but to see the team operating in unison is a foundational element that Sweeney feels they can build on.

One intangible element of success is having confidence, and Sweeney knows the Magic will not simply pull it out of thin air — it has to be built from a body of work. So far, they have done things to be confident about, and now it is about continuing to build on it.

Conversely, the Magic also have things they need to improve, and the preseason provides the runway to do so. In the win over Memphis, they totaled 35 assists and took more 3-point shots than they did 2-point shots.

Orlando found success from the perimeter, going 20-for-45 (44.4%). In Sweeney’s view, that was by design because he wanted to make sure efficient, quality shots were being taken. That philosophy is not limited to 3-pointers, though.

In his view, as long as it is a good shot, it can come from anywhere on the court. The Magic were able to get them consistently, and their 35 assists were a mark they achieved just three times last season.

Sweeney also gave updates on Anthony Black and Noah Penda, who were full participants in practice on Friday after suffering minor injuries.

In Black's case, it was a minor ankle sprain during voluntary workouts leading up to training camp. For Penda, it was a hamstring tweak. Now, both are back in the fold, and this is good news for the Magic.

On the latest episode of the Full Court Magic Podcast, I talked about the importance of health for the team and how it was fortunate that Black and Penda’s injuries were not more serious. Both players have a chance to make a significant impact this season, which is what this team will need.