3 Crucial Magic Preseason Trends That Need to Continue in the Regular Season

The Orlando Magic, after an unbeaten preseason, are focused on several key trends as they enter the regular season. Their 4-0 record may not hold significant weight, but specific developments during this time are crucial for their performance ahead.
Three Crucial Trends for the Orlando Magic
1. Improved 3-Point Shooting
The Magic’s previous struggles with 3-point shooting have been notable. This preseason, they recorded a 35.9% success rate from beyond the arc. Key contributions came from players like Franz Wagner, Tristan da Silva, and Wendell Carter Jr., who combined for 42.4% on 14 of 33 attempts.
While the sample size is small, this improvement is significant compared to last season’s 31.8%. Last year, the Magic had only one player, Caleb Houstan, who could manage a 36% rate on at least 150 attempts. Enhancing their perimeter scoring is essential for the team’s offensive development.
2. Dominance on the Offensive Glass
Under coach Jamahl Mosley, the Magic have prioritized defensive rebounding, finishing in the top eight for three consecutive seasons. However, their performance this preseason was particularly noteworthy. They led the NBA with a remarkable 44.3% offensive rebounding rate.
This percentage surpasses the next best team by nearly three points, demonstrating their determination to create second-chance opportunities. While maintaining such a high rate throughout the regular season is unlikely, the commitment to improving on the offensive boards is crucial for their success.
3. Rim Protection and Defensive Prowess
Last year, Orlando had the second-best defense, effectively limiting opponent’s paint touches. During the preseason, they demonstrated enhanced rim protection, ranking third in the league in blocks and showing commendable rim efficiency. Players like Carter, Paolo Banchero, Goga Bitadze, and Jonathan Isaac excelled here.
This strong performance suggests the Magic could maintain their position as one of the top three defensive teams in the league. Consistent rim protection will be vital as they face stronger opponents in the regular season.
As the Magic prepare for their regular-season opener against the Miami Heat, maintaining these crucial trends will be essential for their success. The combination of improved shooting, offensive rebounding, and solid defense positions them as a team to watch closely this season.