Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
NBA Playoffs: What Can Magic Learn From Warriors?
ORLANDO - The Golden State Warriors may not be where they want to be facing elimination in Game 7 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs, but many teams envy their position, including the Orlando Magic.
The Magic missed its third straight playoffs this past season, but there is reason for optimism that the team will break that streak in 2023-24.
"Next year is playoffs or bust for me, for everyone," Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero said. "I know the way we've been talking to each other, that's all we're worried about."
Led by Banchero, the Magic has its foundational piece to build around and the rest of the team is buying into the vision that head coach Jamahl Mosley has.
Ironically enough, the Warriors, arguably the greatest sports dynasty in the past decade, play an entirely opposite style to that of the Magic. The Warriors play small and build their offense from beyond the arc, while the Magic boasts one of the biggest teams in the league. However, the Magic players can learn from the Warriors by being themselves.
Something admirable about the Warriors is their ability to stay true to their identity. In a league where size was celebrated, the Warriors went against the grain and played the game their way. This has only led them to four championships in eight seasons, but a big reason for that is they play their game regardless of who the other team is, and it works for them.
The Magic plays an unconventional way to that of the rest of the league. Instead of relying on one or two "stars," Orlando plays by-committee, usually with a handful of players equally stepping up on any given night. While that may change slightly over the years when Banchero and Franz Wagner among others improve and become stronger, it doesn't appear that this aspect of the team under Mosley will change much.
By sticking true to its identity, the Magic can hopefully find similar success that the Warriors have enjoyed for the past decade.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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