After a long and tumultuous six years for the Orlando Magic, they are finally back in the postseason. Even with an incredibly bipolar season all around, Orlando was able to clinch a postseason berth with a 116-108 victory over the Boston Celtics. After losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder 126-117 on January 29 and falling 11 games under .500 it seemed as though Orlando was destined for another year of watching the playoffs “couch-side” instead of court-side.
Despite the lack of success, Orlando stuck with it and refused to trade away key players like Terrance Ross and first time All-Star Nikola Vucevic. After a 20-31 start, the Magic finally hit their stride, winning 20 out of its next 29 games.
Defense has been the team’s calling card this season. The Magic are ranked fifth in points allowed per game and eighth in defensive efficiency. Couple that with a skilled front court of Vucevic and Aaron Gordon as well as shot blocking sensation rookie and Shack Wes song title Mo Bamba, it just goes to show that easy shots are few and far between against Orlando, the latest team to clinch an NBA playoff berth.
