The Orlando Magic started off their new season looking a lot like... the Orlando Magic.

While the offense showed better spacing and the shots seemed to be generally more efficient as a whole, the results were about the same.

When Orlando is fully healthy, they have a lot of capable scorers and creators; and at their most dangerous, their elite team defense is activated; that elite defense of old remains a ghost of the past for this Magic team, despite Orlando bringing in noted defensive guru Sean Sweeney to replace the voice of the last defensive guru.

Still, it's just one regular season game, and there's plenty of promising things to point out that the team can hopefully build from.

3 Takeaways from Magic Opening Day

Oct 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Sean Sweeney talks to guard Jase Richardson (11) during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

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