Orlando Magic 'Hangs Its Hat' on Defense, Says Paolo Banchero

With its strong start to the season, the Orlando Magic has started to get the recognition that the team deserves, and it is due in no small part to its defense.

The Orlando Magic continues to impress this season as the team got another impressive win, this time a 19-point victory against the Los Angeles Lakers. This came as a result of the team's great play as a whole and its ability on the defensive end.

The Magic is currently No. 2 in the NBA in defensive rating with a 103.5, which puts the team only behind the Minnesota Timberwolves so far this season.

Not only that, but the Magic also ranks in the top five of a lot of important defensive stats, including how many points the team allows per game, at only 103.5 points, which is low for today's NBA. Magic star Paolo Banchero talked more about the team's defense in his postgame interview.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) contests a shot from Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell

Mike Watters-USA Today Sports

"That was the first thing that was kind of emphasized in camp was defense and that was gonna be where we hung our hat on was that side of the ball," Banchero said.

If the Magic is able to keep this defensive momentum going, the team could be poised to make a lot of noise this season. With how young the Magic's roster is, all of its players could outlast other teams when it comes to stamina, and that could give the Magic a huge advantage.

The Magic will have another chance to show the improvements that it has made since last season on the defensive end when the team is back in action tonight against the Dallas Mavericks. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. from the Amway Center.