The offensive numbers for the Orlando Magic aren’t pretty. They’re one of only three teams in the league that average under 100 points per game. But their inability to put the ball in the basket doesn’t end there. They also rank near the bottom in field goal, three point and free throw percentage. Needless to say these factors have contributed to Orlando being 14 games under .500.
“Pretty much everything,” guard Evan Fournier said. “When we had a good stretch that’s pretty much where we were playing good defensively. Since then it’s really not good, it’s definitely related. To win games you have to be able to defend and that’s the key for us.”
While the offense averages the second least points per game in the NBA, Orlando’s defense has been middle of the pack, giving up just under 106 points per game, good for 18th, but that’s more troubling to head coach Frank Vogel.
“We knew we were not built to be a great offensive team this year,” Vogel said. “We had high expectations of where we would be on the defensive end and we’ve fallen short of that so far. We’ll continue to meet about it and grind about it, that’s what our film session was about today. I still believe there’s room for improvement and we will improve as the season goes on.”
How exactly this roster can improve on defense isn’t so easy to answer.
“I mean there’s not much else to do besides just keep working on it,” Fournier said.
Given the glimpses of offensive efficiency Orlando has shown this season, if the Magic can find a way to tighten up their defense coach Vogel likes their odds to make a run before the year ends.