Moe Wagner Credits 'Effort' to Orlando Magic's Rebounding Success
The Orlando Magic has started the season thoroughly exceeding expectations, with a 5-4 record through the first nine games. Including marquee wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, the Magic is sixth in the Eastern Conference and easily in the playoff picture.
One of Orlando’s calling cards has been extra effort on both ends of the court. A middling rebounding team – 14th in the league – the Magic have made a strong impression on the offensive glass. Orlando is sixth in the league, with 12.7 offensive rebounds per game.
A large part of that was their performance against the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta is one spot ahead of Orlando in terms of offensive rebounding, but the Magic out-rebounded Atlanta 18-8.
Paolo Banchero is averaging 6.9 rebounds per game, second on the team to Wendell Carter Jr.
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Moe Wagner credits the success on the glass to effort.
"I think it's an effort thing," Wagner said. "We put a lot of emphasis on getting those possessions, trying to turn over teams and go to the offensive glass. It's also part of our transition defense because if you open the ball early, they can't just throw it ahead."
Orlando allows the fourth-fewest fast break points in the league, despite turning the ball over at a very high rate. A key part of that is not allowing opponents to run freely after a missed shot.
The Magic is a very young team with a high ceiling. That being said, its youth and lack of experience could be its downfall this season, so exerting extra effort on the less glamorous parts of the game bodes well for the Magic’s future.
