Advanced Statistics Illustrate the Orlando Magic's Recent Fourth-Quarter Dominance

by Evan Dunlap on Mar 7, 2009 5:57 PM EST in Analysis

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The Orlando Magic have trailed after the third period in each game of their current three-game winning streak. They've impressed with their ability to dig themselves out of deep holes in a hurry, usually with their defense. Here's how the fourth-quarter four factors look for the Magic and their opponents look over the last three games combined, with a tip of the hat to PopcornMachine for the raw statistics.

Team	Pace	Efficiency	eFG%	FT Rate	OReb%	TO Rate
Magic	75	121.8	55.2%	46.6	33.3	17.4
Opponents	75	72.0	30.5%	30.5	15.4	14.7

Apart from the hideous turnover rate--if the Magic turned the ball over at that rate for this entire season, they'd be tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Boston Celtics for the second-worst such figure in the league--it's hard to complain about how the Magic have played in the last three fourth quarters.

Of course, I'd be much more impressed if they could take care of business early and didn't need to count on brilliant fourth-quarter play. But hey, their three-game winning streak is the longest since All-Star point guard Jameer Nelson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. We'll take the wins, thanks.

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Microcosm

Really what those statistics show is exactly why Orlando has been such an excellent defensive team the entire season. Two reasons ..

- hold their opponents to low FG%
- keep opponents away from the free-throw line

No secret that the Magic’s ability to do that and bunker down defensively in the fourth quarter these past few games, are the reasons why the team has been able to come away with victories.

Former Senior Writer for DePaul's Scout.com website

Hey yo, who's the best/heavy like dumbbells on your arms/I bury you broads, while spitting barbarian bars - Black Milk

by erivera7 on Mar 7, 2009 7:02 PM EST reply actions