NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
The drought is OVER and the Orlando Magic are back in the NBA Playoffs for the first time since 2020. With the most wins as a team since 2010-11 they are the 5th seed in the east and head to Cleveland to play the Cavs. This franchise is BACK and no longer an easy win for anyone and the fan base is hungry for this return to the NBA forefront. A season full of firsts, and lessons will now be put to the test when the lights are brightest. A young roster with a few players with playoff experience and nothing to lose sounds like fun to me. A look at 3 keys to the Magic winning this series year 35 of the franchise, hanging up Shaq’s jersey and Paolo Banchero making the All-Star team. Banchero became the youngest player (21 years, 154 days) in NBA history to lead his team in scoring, rebounding, and assists in a season. Things are glorious in Magic Kingdom can they take another step?
1. BRING the defense: The Magic are SERIOUS about defense and make life hell for other teams. Second in opponents’ turnover percentage and 2nd in points scored off turnovers. This is the 3rd ranked defense overall in the NBA and with its length and dog mentality it should be a serious issue for the Cavs who will look for Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland to attack and set things up. Setting the tone early is key for Orlando, especially with the series starting on the road. Jonathan Isaac has been a monster on the defensive side not just blocking shots but making people not want to get into the paint and face a tough shot.
2. NO FEAR: A LOT of talk will center around how young this team is and whether can they handle the bright lights of the playoffs. Trust me the Magic know this and so do the Cavs. Ok, so everyone has to start somewhere, and with the type of defense the Magic play getting off to a solid start and shaking off the butterflies and nerves will be super important. Paolo has been up for whatever is thrown at him and I fully expect him to go after it. As a team that has been physical all year, they will have to continue punching Cleveland in the mouth and keep swinging. Another reason a fast start is key for the Magic is because of the struggles they have on offense and not being a big threat from deep. Orlando can’t have a slow start or allow Cleveland to go on a bug 3rd quarter run and both have happened this season more than once.
3. Orlando needs it nightly from “The Others” It has been a wild ride with almost AAU-type vibes as these young kids have been fun to watch the last few seasons and reach the postseason now. I feel confident saying we know what we get from Paolo and even Franz. But in playoff series, there is always that player who you didn’t think about who has a big night or two. So who is that person for the Magic? Jalen Suggs is a beast on the defensive end does he have a hot night? Can Cole Anthony find something? Will Wendall Carter Jr. knock some shots down from the outside and open things up for his team?
Bottom line this will be an old school 90’s basketball type of series. Enter the paint at your own risk and you will feel it during the game and after. Watching how the refs call things is also something to watch out for as they can set the tone and throw everything off. With both teams being so close in many areas the Magic aren’t showing up just to get the welcome to the NBA Playoffs gift page they expect and want to win. Send waves of players at Donovan Mitchell and make him work for it. Crash the boards and be relentless with rebounding. All the pressure is on Cleveland after what happened to them last year, the longer this series goes the more they will feel it.
My Pick:
Orlando Magic 4-2 series wins
