Back in December, the Orlando Magic seemingly had survived another hiccup in their season. They were building some momentum and holding themselves steady in the Playoff conversation. The team was 15-18 after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies and had exchanged wins and losses for the better part of two weeks.
These two wins particularly — home victories against the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies — felt especially encouraging.
On Dec. 23, the Magic blocked a team-record nine shots in the first quarter with Serge Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo promising teammates they would be there for them to protect the basket and the rim.