Pacers' Buddy Hield Reveals Key to Magic Improvement

“They’re very beatable but they play hard," Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield said after playing the Orlando Magic. "I think their hard play is what separates them. They don’t have no elite shot-making, just Gary Harris but their hard play makes them so elite."

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic sits in fourth place in the Eastern Conference heading into Christmas with a 17-11 record, a far cry from its comparable 5-20 start a year ago.

The Magic has been one of the most improved teams in the NBA, and a lot of that is possible thanks to the team's effort night in and night out.

“They’re very beatable but they play hard," Pacers guard Buddy Hield said after Saturday's game. "I think their hard play is what separates them. They don’t have no elite shot-making, just Gary Harris but their hard play makes them so elite."

On top of that, the team has been coached really well, and Hield has recognized the work the coaching staff has put into the team.

"Jamahl Mosley does a great job just having them playing hard every possession," Hield said.

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The Magic doesn't have a top 30 scorer and there isn't a ton of experience currently on the roster, at least in terms of playing playoff basketball. However, Orlando's key to success has been its depth and chemistry. By not making too many changes in the offseason, the Magic added a lot of continuity to its team, something many teams don't currently have as they wheel and deal and shuffle around their roster in order to build a team capable of winning a championship.

Orlando has a different approach (for now) and it has gotten the team this far with hopes that the Magic can continue remaining amongst the East's top teams.