Defense Looking Strong
Arguably, the best thing that’s come out of the preseason so far is that the Orlando Magic are walking the talk. During training camp, players expressed a ton of confidence about their potential to be among the top defensive teams in the league. Thursday in Cleveland, the Magic held the Cavs to just 30 points in the paint, about 20 fewer than the league average in 2022-23. They also had 14 steals, which was their season high last year.
Paolo Banchero’s Passing
Don’t be surprised if the 6-foot-10, 250-pounder records a few triple-doubles this season. We know he’ll score in double figures most nights. We also know he’ll reach double digits in rebounds occasionally, doing that 14 times in his rookie campaign. Now expect him to rack up more assists. He dished out a team-high six of them in 20 minutes Thursday in Cleveland.
Ball Protection
Taking care of the ball was a big problem last year, especially early in the season when they were shorthanded because of injuries. Through two preseason games, the Magic are averaging only 13.5 turnovers, second fewest in the league. Markelle Fultz didn’t commit single turnover during his 20 minutes of action Thursday.
Free Throw Attempts
Franz Wagner, Fultz, and Cole Anthony were among the players during training camp that talked about wanting to initiate contact more often and increase their free throw attempts this season. If each of them do indeed do that, that will dramatically help the Magic be a more potent offensive team. Those three combined to take nine of Orlando’s 27 free throws against Cleveland. We know Banchero is going to get to the line a ton, having averaged 7.4 foul shots as a rookie last year.
The Starters Thriving
All five Magic starters – Banchero, Franz, Fultz, Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. – have had positive plus-minuses in each of Orlando’s first two exhibition games. The Magic outscored the Cavs by 18 when Carter was on the court; the same with Suggs; Franz was a plus-16; and Banchero and Fultz were each plus-14.
What They’re Saying
Head Coach Jamahl Mosley: “The one thing that stands out, because it’s one thing we talked about throughout training camp, was taking care of the basketball…and sharing the basketball – 27 assists – I like our guys’ willingness to share and understand it’s going to be done by committee – and guys are willing and wanting to step into that way of playing.”
Franz Wagner: “I think it’s a really good ramp up for me after the FIBA tournament. I feel really good. It’s a lot of fun to be out there again with the guys. At the same time, it’s a completely different game than what I played in the summer. I’m just getting back into things as well.”