Orlando Magic showcase paint dominance, climb to 5th seed without Banchero
The Orlando Magic are riding a wave of momentum, having secured three consecutive victories and eight wins in their last ten games. This surge has propelled them out of the play-in tournament and into the coveted 5th seed, with just a game separating them from the 2nd spot in the Eastern Conference.
Transforming Offensive Strategy
A notable trend has emerged during this recent stretch: the Magic have significantly shifted their offensive focus towards attacking the paint. This transformation has been especially remarkable considering they’ve managed to do so without their leading interior player, Paolo Banchero, who has been sidelined for nearly a month due to a groin injury.
In their last three outings, the Magic have consistently racked up at least 60 points in the paint, positioning them as the third-best team in the league in this category. This offensive strategy has proven effective, enabling them to secure victories over formidable opponents, including the top-ranked Detroit Pistons, as well as the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers.
Three-Point Shooting Challenges
Historically, the Magic have struggled with their three-point shooting, a concern that has lingered over the past few seasons. However, the acquisition of Desmond Bane, primarily known for his shooting, has added depth to their offensive approach. Bane’s ability to drive to the rim and finish has opened up new avenues for the team’s scoring.
When discussing the recent emphasis on scoring in the paint, head coach Jamahl Mosley remarked, “I think our ability to get downhill, we’ve done a great job of that, you know, getting to the free throw line, attacking the basket relentlessly. I think we’ve done a great job of continuing to talk about putting pressure on the rim, and that’s going to be what we do as one of our staples.”
Drawing Fouls and Creating Opportunities
The Magic’s aggressive approach has paid off, as they lead the league with an impressive average of 30.8 free-throw attempts per game. This relentless drive to the basket forces opposing defenses to collapse, creating open looks for their shooters on the perimeter.
Anthony Black highlighted the team’s ability to generate points in the paint, stating, “Getting out in transition adds to some of those. Using our size, playing off of closeouts and attacking our man, leading us getting to the paint, and that’s where it starts for us.”
Aiming for Offensive Development
As the team continues to find success by attacking the paint, Coach Mosley has emphasized the next step in their offensive evolution. “Now, where we have to continue to get better is when we get down there, and there is a crowd, can we find the spray-outs for feet set threes?” If the Magic can effectively translate their paint dominance into creating and converting more three-point opportunities, they may very well emerge as one of the most potent offenses in the league.
As the season progresses, the Orlando Magic’s commitment to attacking the paint without their star player speaks volumes about their depth and adaptability. The journey ahead looks promising as they harness this newfound offensive identity and aim for greater heights.
