2024-2025 Regular Season Game 15: Orlando Magic (8-6) at Phoenix Suns (9-5) - 9pm

[eyriq]

Interestingly, this wasn't a good defensive game, we just played at a very slow pace.

[drsd]

Interestingly, this wasn't a good defensive game, we just played at a very slow pace.

Boooo! (and statistically not fully accurate).

I love this quote: Orlando became the first team since the San Antonio Spurs in 2018 to hold their opponents under 100 points in six consecutive games.

As to this game's defense, Orlando held the Suns to 29.3% 3PM and 42.2% in overall FG%. That is a decline from the 36.5% and 45.6% averages of the Suns. i.e. This WAS a good defensive game. Not great, but good.

Phoenix averages 85.9 FGA per game and was held to 83 in this game. That's not a huge change of pace for them.
Orlando averages 86.1 and took 76. Those not-taken Magic 10 FGAs were the main decider in pace.

Also, the teams coupled for 50 FTAs, so there were plenty of freebiee point chances.

Changing topics: Orlando had won the 3rd and 4th games of the NBA season by scoring under 100. I was happy to see the 109 in a great defensive effort. For this Magic team, scoring 109 is a W most games.

[eyriq]

Interestingly, this wasn't a good defensive game, we just played at a very slow pace.

Boooo! (and statistically not fully accurate).

I love this quote: Orlando became the first team since the San Antonio Spurs in 2018 to hold their opponents under 100 points in six consecutive games.

As to this game's defense, Orlando held the Suns to 29.3% 3PM and 42.2% in overall FG%. That is a decline from the 36.5% and 45.6% averages of the Suns. i.e. This WAS a good defensive game. Not great, but good.

Phoenix averages 85.9 FGA per game and was held to 83 in this game. That's not a huge change of pace for them.
Orlando averages 86.1 and took 76. Those not-taken Magic 10 FGAs were the main decider in pace.

Also, the teams coupled for 50 FTAs, so there were plenty of freebiee point chances.

Changing topics: Orlando had won the 3rd and 4th games of the NBA season by scoring under 100. I was happy to see the 109 in a great defensive effort. For this Magic team, scoring 109 is a W most games.

We had a defensive rating of 112.1, well below our average, and a pace of 88.3, much slower than our average. We held them under 100 because we played exceptionally slow, not because our defense was particularly good.

[JBSouthpaw]

Interestingly, this wasn't a good defensive game, we just played at a very slow pace.

Boooo! (and statistically not fully accurate).

I love this quote: Orlando became the first team since the San Antonio Spurs in 2018 to hold their opponents under 100 points in six consecutive games.

As to this game's defense, Orlando held the Suns to 29.3% 3PM and 42.2% in overall FG%. That is a decline from the 36.5% and 45.6% averages of the Suns. i.e. This WAS a good defensive game. Not great, but good.

Phoenix averages 85.9 FGA per game and was held to 83 in this game. That's not a huge change of pace for them.
Orlando averages 86.1 and took 76. Those not-taken Magic 10 FGAs were the main decider in pace.

Also, the teams coupled for 50 FTAs, so there were plenty of freebiee point chances.

Changing topics: Orlando had won the 3rd and 4th games of the NBA season by scoring under 100. I was happy to see the 109 in a great defensive effort. For this Magic team, scoring 109 is a W most games.

We had a defensive rating of 112.1, well below our average, and a pace of 88.3, much slower than our average. We held them under 100 because we played exceptionally slow, not because our defense was particularly good.

By metrics you could argue this was a decent def. Game, but if you watched, they missed a LOT of open shots, and they killed us rebounding

[eyriq]

Boooo! (and statistically not fully accurate).

I love this quote: Orlando became the first team since the San Antonio Spurs in 2018 to hold their opponents under 100 points in six consecutive games.

As to this game's defense, Orlando held the Suns to 29.3% 3PM and 42.2% in overall FG%. That is a decline from the 36.5% and 45.6% averages of the Suns. i.e. This WAS a good defensive game. Not great, but good.

Phoenix averages 85.9 FGA per game and was held to 83 in this game. That's not a huge change of pace for them.
Orlando averages 86.1 and took 76. Those not-taken Magic 10 FGAs were the main decider in pace.

Also, the teams coupled for 50 FTAs, so there were plenty of freebiee point chances.

Changing topics: Orlando had won the 3rd and 4th games of the NBA season by scoring under 100. I was happy to see the 109 in a great defensive effort. For this Magic team, scoring 109 is a W most games.

We had a defensive rating of 112.1, well below our average, and a pace of 88.3, much slower than our average. We held them under 100 because we played exceptionally slow, not because our defense was particularly good.

By metrics you could argue this was a decent def. Game, but if you watched, they missed a LOT of open shots, and they killed us rebounding

Yep, offensive rebounding crushed us. They rebounded 34.8% of their misses. That's nuts.

[SloNick Russia]

AB played over 30 mpg, Mosley just keeps him in when he plays well, who cares if he starts or not if he plays starter mins.

Sent from my SM-G9750 using RealGM mobile app

[JoshuaPotter]

AB played over 30 mpg, Mosley just keeps him in when he plays well, who cares if he starts or not if he plays starter mins.

Sent from my SM-G9750 using RealGM mobile app

That's where I am at emotionally at the moment.

Also Mose confidence in him is at an all-time high. Mose clearly likes the role Black has settled into and trust him at the end of games. This really is all we need to see.

While I would like to see more offensively from both KCP and Suggs who both seem to be in a slump. This is the game of basketball and statistically both players can and will bounce back. Booker was legitimately playing with ankle weights between a rotation of KCP / Suggs / Black. I can't really be upset with the outcomes offensively when the results speak for themselves.

[JoshuaPotter]

Interestingly, this wasn't a good defensive game, we just played at a very slow pace.

This was the game plan last year. Also, I credit this pace to non other then AB. He is starting to find form and work his way through a shot clock. Some of AB assists looked like legitimate drawn up plays.

[Knightro]

I thought the “first attempt” defense, if that’s what you wanna call it, was really good.

The Magic just gave up a bunch of offensive rebounds and second chance points, which is very unlike them. If they hadn’t done that, it would’ve been a spectacular defensive performance. They were extremely good defending the first shot.

[drsd]

I thought the “first attempt” defense, if that’s what you wanna call it, was really good.

The Magic just gave up a bunch of offensive rebounds and second chance points, which is very unlike them. If they hadn’t done that, it would’ve been a spectacular defensive performance. They were extremely good defending the first shot.

Amen brother.

Look: was this a outstanding defense effort? No

Was it "good"? Yes

..

[Knightro]

Long time lurker, first time poster here.

Franz is a fantastic decision maker out of the pick and roll. Although it doesn't show up on the boxscore a lot of the time, his ability ability to see over the defenders and either give the ball up early on the short roll or drag the big defender on the double was invaluable tonight. Although Orlando hasn't been able to convert the 3 at a good clip, it still leaves the defense in a 3 on 4 situation. With Paolo out of the lineup, I'd really like to see some action away from the ball that'll result in someone like TDS coming up and being the screener; the defense won't be able to switch due to the mismatch, and although we haven't seen TDS's decision making on the short roll, if its anything like his decision making on closeouts, I think it would be really positive (his ability to attack on a hard closeout has been really good; once the shot starts falling, I think it will really open up this aspect of his game).

I really like the dynamic a more traditional centre gives this team, particularly one that isn't considered an offensive threat in Goga. Orlando run some action with the big on the elbow - ironically, someone like Goga creates more space, as the defensive big is generally in drop, giving Franz more room to operate in the mid range with a live dribble, where he is generally a great finisher.

I'm really loving the development I'm seeing from Black. Although his creation off the dribble needs improvement, his change of pace has been really good, and we saw that on a couple takes tonight.

Welcome! We hope to see you posting more and more.

[Knightro]

I would be very, very surprised if they benched KCP any time soon.

Outside of hitting threes, which could maybe be partially explained away by this elbow injury Dante alluded to last night, he's doing everything they want.

Playing big minutes. Defending at a very high level. Not turning the ball over. Moving the basketball in a positive way. Providing leadership and hustle.

If just 10 of his 3PT misses were turned into makes, everyone would be feeling great about him.

[RichCollab]

Or…a player not yet acquired. That would be a stronger first and second unit, imo.

Development has paid big dividends. I’m not against the right deal and player.

Black’s role seems to be the right responsibility and role. Leading the 2nd unit this will continue to build his confidence. He will continue to get crunch time minutes.

Jett’s potential as s SG seems legit and a skill gap we have. I don’t think we need to make a move that would block him.

I do see this year focusing on Black and TDS development. It’s going to be hard to add Jett into the mix. Next year, will be Jett’s big playing time increase.

I’m fine if the following 4 don’t get any minutes.
Harris
Cole
Caleb
Corey

I’m also ok if KCP averages closer to 25 minutes a game.

Acquiring Schroder for Cole and a frp would meet your requirements. AB moves into the starting lineup for KCP and the D doesn't miss a beat. Playing in the SL actually requires less pressure for AB to playmate and score, so he can continue developing with Mose's support and his own increased confidence. Paolo is NOT going to complain about getting better shots. Second unit takes a leap with Schroder's ability to put up 20 when needed, but also ring up easy shots for KCP and, particularly, for Mo. Goga stays in the SL, so WCJ can be worked in slowly and without so much dependence on him. AB is ready for a solid offensive player to enter the guard rotation...his defense alone will keep him solidly in the starting lineup - once he tastes it. He's just better than KCP.

I’m invested in the following players;

Paolo
Franz
Suggs
Black

I’m ok if we move any others.

[Catledge]

I thought the “first attempt” defense, if that’s what you wanna call it, was really good.

The Magic just gave up a bunch of offensive rebounds and second chance points, which is very unlike them. If they hadn’t done that, it would’ve been a spectacular defensive performance. They were extremely good defending the first shot.

Amen brother.

Look: was this a outstanding defense effort? No

Was it "good"? Yes

..

We held Booker to 17 in a game where he was their #1 option. I think that counts as good defense.

[Optimus_Steel]

Boooo! (and statistically not fully accurate).

I love this quote: Orlando became the first team since the San Antonio Spurs in 2018 to hold their opponents under 100 points in six consecutive games.

As to this game's defense, Orlando held the Suns to 29.3% 3PM and 42.2% in overall FG%. That is a decline from the 36.5% and 45.6% averages of the Suns. i.e. This WAS a good defensive game. Not great, but good.

Phoenix averages 85.9 FGA per game and was held to 83 in this game. That's not a huge change of pace for them.
Orlando averages 86.1 and took 76. Those not-taken Magic 10 FGAs were the main decider in pace.

Also, the teams coupled for 50 FTAs, so there were plenty of freebiee point chances.

Changing topics: Orlando had won the 3rd and 4th games of the NBA season by scoring under 100. I was happy to see the 109 in a great defensive effort. For this Magic team, scoring 109 is a W most games.

We had a defensive rating of 112.1, well below our average, and a pace of 88.3, much slower than our average. We held them under 100 because we played exceptionally slow, not because our defense was particularly good.

By metrics you could argue this was a decent def. Game, but if you watched, they missed a LOT of open shots, and they killed us rebounding

It was a good defensive performance, we just gave up too many offensive rebounds. Had we rebounded slightly better they barely score 90.

[JBSouthpaw]

We had a defensive rating of 112.1, well below our average, and a pace of 88.3, much slower than our average. We held them under 100 because we played exceptionally slow, not because our defense was particularly good.

By metrics you could argue this was a decent def. Game, but if you watched, they missed a LOT of open shots, and they killed us rebounding

It was a good defensive performance, we just gave up too many offensive rebounds. Had we rebounded slightly better they barely score 90.

that goes the other way too.
2 more 3s made and a few FTs and we lose.

[drsd]

It was a good defensive performance, we just gave up too many offensive rebounds. Had we rebounded slightly better they barely score 90.

that goes the other way too.
2 more 3s made and a few FTs and we lose.

To end this discussion: all road wins are good wins. I don't care what led to this win. A W is a W. !!!!!

[JBSouthpaw]

It was a good defensive performance, we just gave up too many offensive rebounds. Had we rebounded slightly better they barely score 90.

that goes the other way too.
2 more 3s made and a few FTs and we lose.

To end this discussion: all road wins are good wins. I don't care what led to this win. A W is a W. !!!!!

preach!

[eyriq]

Franz cooked and Suggs held down Booker

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[tooler]

Towns - not first time all star, but first time all star on East ( lock for starter). 26 -12-3 -1-1 65% TS, leads Knicks in pretty much every single advanced category. I said he will be top 5-ish player on East, he has been top 5 player on East.

I saw this on ESPN today and thought of your post!

Towns, who's surrendered a 73.3% field goal percentage within six feet on defense, is providing less statistical resistance than any big man in the league right now. It's clearly something he and the Knicks will need to improve in order to reach their lofty goals.

Whoof...