Orlando Magic 'Built a Wall' Against Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelcians

The Orlando Magic held Zion Williamson to 15 points, which bodes well for the playoffs.

Apr 3, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) brings the ball up the court against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

The Orlando Magic continued its three-game win streak on Wednesday night, taking down the New Orleans Pelicans. Both Paolo Banchero and CJ McCollum hit the 30-point mark, but the physical and smart defense of Zion Williamson limited the damage the Pelicans could do.

As the Magic get prepeared for the playoffs and aim to secure homecourt advantage, stopping the superstars they meet in the postseason will be a key to success. Be it Joel Embiid, Jalen Brunson, Jimmy Butler, or Tyrese Haliburton, whoever Orlando matches up against in the first round will come away bruised and battered.

Apr 3, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dribbles against Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5). / Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

After the game, Banchero took the time to detail how he and the team put pressure on Williamson.

"I would say it just takes all five guys on the court to be on a string and communicating," said Banchero. "Obviously, when [Williamson] has the ball, he's looking to get downhill. So you got to build a wall, show him bodies, and just try and contest at the rim. You're not going to block his shot many times, so you just need to contest him and make it hard for him."

If the Magic can hold a healthy Zion Williamson to 15 points on 48.3 percent shooting splits, they will easily be able to keep up with the physicality presented in the NBA playoffs. With a first-round matchup most likely against the New York Knicks, the Magic will have to show Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby (if healthy) the same physicality they showed Williamson in Wednesday's victory.