**Jalen Suggs** was recently [asked](https://streamable.com/7nuj39) if the Magic could be a top 10 defense. He went on to explain how that should be the floor for our team, and the sights should be set higher. This led me to look into our defensive stats when we had some players healthy.
In the 58 final games following Markelle’s return and minutes restriction being lifted. Orlando had a **.500** record (29-29) and absurdly good defensive numbers:
* **Top 6** Defensive Rating
* **Top 5** Defensive Rebounding Percentage
* **Top 8** in Steals
* **Top 2** in Opponent Points in the Paint
[https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/defense?DateFrom=12/05/2022&dir=A&sort=DEF\_RATING](https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/defense?DateFrom=12/05/2022&dir=A&sort=DEF_RATING)
by StressPretzel
3 Comments
Fultz definitely helps on the defensive end. He’s smart about not only eliminating passing lanes, but he also jumps them very well and does a great job of limiting penetration at the point of attack.
That in turns made everyone else’s job easier, keeping Wendell in position and not forcing teammates to crash into the paint leaving shooters open, and it improved the rebounding positioning of everyone else in that floor.
I think, however, what was most beneficial to the defense was that the *offense* actually looked so much better. An increase in overall offensive efficiency meant more made buckets, fewer transition opportunities for opposing teams, and time for our guys to get into their defensive sets and matched up against the right players. It’s much harder to score against a set defense in the half court than in transition.
112.8 in the stat you listed. Fultz personal DRTG was 114. Meaning our defense was better with him off the court. The same is also true of our net rating. Better when Fultz is off but everyone in this sub will tell you he’s the reason we were good.
Yes.