A closer look at the Magic's 36-46 record

Last night, I had some time to break down the Magic's W/L record to see how they did in various categories. Here's what I came up with:

The Magic's W/L record: 36-46
Home: 26-15
Away: 10-31
vs East: 24-28
Home vs East: 17-9
Away vs East: 7-19
vs West: 12-18
Home vs West: 9-6
Away vs West: 3-12
November: 7-7
December: 5-8
January: 6-9
February: 2-12
March: 9-8
April: 7-2
record in games decided by 3 pts or less: 4-6
between 4-5 pts: 6-8
between 6-9 pts: 11-13
between 10-14 pts: 6-10
15 pts or more: 9-9
record vs teams that finished season at .500 or better: 12-29
record vs teams that finished season under .500: 24-17
home record vs teams that finished season at .500 or better: 9-11
away record vs teams that finished season at .500 or better: 3-18
home record vs teams that finished season under .500: 17-4
away record vs teams that finished season under .500: 7-13

The area that stands out to me is that the Magic were only 10-14 in games decided by 5 pts or less. If the Magic won just 5 more of those games, they finish at .500 and make the playoffs. Many of those close losses came due to questionable strategy by Coach Hill, though the last 5 weeks they were a much better 4-2 in games decided by 5 pts or less. Magic have to improve in that area next season. Also, on the road the Magic were a pitiful 3-18 against teams that finished .500 or better. Interestingly, the only 3 wins came during their hot streak the last 3 weeks (at CHI, at MIA, at SA).

The month of February (2-12) was the killer, with the tough schedule and the daily trade drama surrounding Steve Francis.

Of course, the 16-6 record in the final 22 games gives everyone hope and optimism heading into next season.