Magic's struggles deepen as offensive woes and defensive lapses drop them in rankings. Key players face shooting slumps, raising questions about their identity.
The Orlando Magic’s season has fallen short of early expectations as they sit at 4-6 and rank No. 11 in the Eastern Conference. Once viewed as dark-horse contenders, the Magic continue to struggle against top-tier opponents and have now dropped to No. 20 in NBA.com’s latest power rankings. Both their offensive stagnation and drop in defensive energy have raised serious questions about their early-season identity under coach Jamahl Mosley.
“The Magic have the league’s second-lowest opponent 3-point rate and were able to limit the Celtics’ attempts from beyond the arc (70 total) in their two-game series,” the article wrote. “They actually outscored Boston, 51-39, from 3-point range in their NBA Cup win on Friday. But while the Celtics made the same number of 3s two nights later, the Magic shot just 7-for-30 (23%) from deep in the four-point loss. Franz Wagner has improved, but Desmond Bane and Paolo Banchero are a combined 21-for-82 (26%) from deep on the season.”
Desmond Bane, the Orlando Magic’s marquee offseason addition, was brought in to be a steady two-way threat, a reliable combo guard with elite three-point shooting and strong perimeter defense. While consistency has eluded him early this season, Bane’s standout performances have directly translated to Magic victories, proving just how pivotal his impact can be when he’s in rhythm.
“Bane ranks just fifth on the team in time of possession (2.8 minutes per game),” the article added. “But he has helped reduce the time that both Banchero and Wagner are handling the ball. And Bane was running the offense for the majority of the fourth quarter in the Magic’s win on Friday, when they scored 39 points on 25 possessions in the final period. Some good things are happening on that end of the floor … just not often enough.
Although the Magic have built their identity on the defensive end, that intensity hasn’t translated early this season. Whether it’s a matter of effort, execution, or the team’s offensive pace affecting their defensive rhythm, it’s an area needing to be fixed if Orlando wants to regain its footing as a legitimate contender.
“The Magic also aren’t the defensive team that they were last season.” NBA.com wrote. “They’ve seen the league’s third-biggest jump in points allowed per 100 possessions, with much of that increase happening in the paint.”
Desmond Bane Shows Signs Of Breakout In Magic’s Statement Win Over Celtics
Bane explodes for 23 points, igniting a fourth-quarter surge and showing why his relentless energy makes him invaluable, even when numbers don't tell the whole story. Click Here
Three Key Takeaways: Magic’s Fourth-Quarter Surge Beats Celtics
Desmond Bane ignited a fourth-quarter explosion, leading the Magic's stunning comeback against the Celtics. Clutch shooting and vital team play secured the crucial win. Click Here
Magic’s Draft Class Receives Disappointing Early-Season Grade
Rookie offensive upside remains largely untapped. Limited minutes for top draft picks hinder Magic's scoring and development, earning a disappointing early-season grade. Click Here