Is This Magic Team Actually For Real?

[dsg2021]

Look guys, I'm going to be brutally honest here.

I still had us written down as a .500 club a few days ago, give or take 4 games in either direction. And probably under.

But this 5 game winning streak and a 10-5 record speaks for itself too loudly.

Is this Magic team actually for real?

Why is this real?



My early guess of an answer is below. What's yours?

1)
We replaced some of our expected poor shooting with superb driving and superb cutting.

Because we are high IQ at positions 1 to 5 to incorporate cutting and 'hitting the roll man on the way down' very well.

And then we are selfless as a passing-orientated team. The players share the spotlight with Mosely's "everyone plays rotations" and create all of this driving and cutting easier.

2)
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are playing more like the top two stars of a team. They don't care if they have to do it 42 FG%, they will go out and get us 22+. They will be the ones to take the ball at the top of the key and hold responsibility for the team's critical moments. They are still adding and improving skills, but they are ready to be the stars right now too.


I have a couple more reasons or so, but I can't explain them as clearly yet. For example, I have never seen the Magic players do mini-huddles and coach each other as much as I do right now. Awesome to see.

[SOUL]

Should take it one game at a time. Fans and the team.

If I was them, I wouldn't just have play in aspirations, but actively trying to get the 6th seed.

They're been a tough out and "for real" team ever since the team got healthy last year, but now they're learning how to win consistently which is awesome to see considering they're still very young.

[Rainwater]

With those AG, Vuc, and Evan teams I always felt those teams were kinda flawed. They really weren't go to guys. So regardless of how many wins they had to start the season i was always thought it was a fluke. But for the first time since Dwight, I think this is a really good squad. Do I think they will win the east, I highly doubt it. Do I think they are a playoff team? yes. This is a lot better than what was predicted.

[tooler]

I didn't think so until the Denver game. That was a well-coached team and they came prepared with a game plan to defeat the Magic. Limit turnovers, rebound, make shots, control the driving lines, sap the energy, don't be surprised by the team's intensity in the first half. The Magic have been surprising teams and building these huge leads and then holding on for dear life as the other teams wake up and play basketball.

This was a normal game against the defending champs and they won it like a normal team would have to do. It's pretty impressive.

[eyriq]

What does it mean to be "for real"? My interpretation would be that a "for real" team is a playoff contender. Like, not a play-in bubble team but a contender for the 5-6 seeds. A team in the same tier as Miami, Atlanta, New York, and Cleveland.

I'm ready to say we are for real in that context. I'm up from 39 wins to 46. I suspect our defense is legit and I think we can be buyers at the deadline if we need some offense.

[RookieStar]

Sooo... Alex Martins 2030 is for real?

[Rainwater]

What does it mean to be "for real"? My interpretation would be that a "for real" team is a playoff contender. Like, not a play-in bubble team but a contender for the 5-6 seeds. A team in the same tier as Miami, Atlanta, New York, and Cleveland.

I'm ready to say we are for real in that context. I'm up from 39 wins to 46. I suspect our defense is legit and I think we can be buyers at the deadline if we need some offense.

Definitely think the magic might be buyers.

[JojoSlimbiid]

I don't think 10-5 is a realistic win percentage across the entire season but I think this is a winning team. The PG position is an issue but they seem to work around it and just play like there isn't a point guard.

[fendilim]

Depends on what for real means.

there are up and downs for a young team.

[CZ Eddie]

16 of our next 21 games are against really good teams, or teams that should be really good but are struggling (cough suns) for whatever reason.

I believe our Magic are a good team but we've got a ways to go and teams will quickly start to learn us and play better against us.

[pepe1991]

I can't be only one who is too scared to say anything to not jinx it?

[The-Stallion70]

I can't be only one who is too scared to say anything to not jinx it?

Yea my mouth is zipped!!

At this point I'm happily along for the ride!!

I don't give af about Markelle debate JUST WIN

[JF5]

I had them winning between 43-47 wins before the season knowing what type of talent they had and what they were capable of so I'm not too shocked.

They were a 500. team for most of the season last year. It to me didn't seem too farfetched with the personal and team growth/continuity they would take another step and they have.

This roster from top to bottom is very talented. Plays with a high IQ, and most importantly play for each other and the team. That's why I like the fact Paolo isn't chucking 25+ shots a game. His game now is making his teammates better.

[zaymon]

I think a bad stretch is inevitable with that young of a team. Question is how we will respond. Teams will also start to scout us for real. I dont expect this win ratio to remain, but our second half of last season and our defense this year makes me optimistic.

[drsd]

I can't be only one who is too scared to say anything to not jinx it?

[Skybox]

I think the re-integration of our injured “starters” is a concern…the chemistry right now is amazing.

[Mule Tears]

Look guys, I'm going to be brutally honest here.

I still had us written down as a .500 club a few days ago, give or take 4 games in either direction. And probably under.

But this 5 game winning streak and a 10-5 record speaks for itself too loudly.

Is this Magic team actually for real?

Why is this real?



My early guess of an answer is below. What's yours?

1)
We replaced some of our expected poor shooting with superb driving and superb cutting.

Because we are high IQ at positions 1 to 5 to incorporate cutting and 'hitting the roll man on the way down' very well.

And then we are selfless as a passing-orientated team. The players share the spotlight with Mosely's "everyone plays rotations" and create all of this driving and cutting easier.

2)
Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are playing more like the top two stars of a team. They don't care if they have to do it 42 FG%, they will go out and get us 22+. They will be the ones to take the ball at the top of the key and hold responsibility for the team's critical moments. They are still adding and improving skills, but they are ready to be the stars right now too.


I have a couple more reasons or so, but I can't explain them as clearly yet. For example, I have never seen the Magic players do mini-huddles and coach each other as much as I do right now. Awesome to see.

No we aren’t for real. But we will enjoy it while it lasts.

[UCF]

A lot more basketball to go this season. Ask this question again at the all star break.

[paperboymafia]

enjoying the ride so far. lets see where it takes us. i'm keeping my hopes on a leash for the time being.

[drsd]

A lot more basketball to go this season. Ask this question again at the all star break.

Don't be a debbie downer


..