Another year, another Game One upset for the underdog Magic. Despite facing an almost universal belief that they would be lucky to challenge the Bucks in any meaningful way, Orlando were able to take control in the game’s opening minutes and simply never relinquish their grasp over proceedings. A 10-point lead at the first break at one point ballooned to eighteen, remaining in double digits for the majority of the contest and eventually settling at a margin of twelve. How did they do it? Let’s unpack three major factors that stood out when the dust had settled.

A plan on defense

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the Magic’s excellent defensive performance is the number of shots they gave up at the rim.