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."

Jeremy Brener | Dec 24, 2023

Pacers' Buddy Hield Reveals Key to Magic Improvement /

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Orlando Magic

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.

Buddy Hield Gary Harris Pacers — Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

“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.

Published Dec 24, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.