Do you believe in Magic? Orlando off to epic start

The Orlando Magic are 13-5, the earliest they have achieved double-digit wins since the 2011-12 season, when they began the season 11-4.

Following Wednesday's 139-120 win over the Washington Wizards, Orlando owns the league's longest active winning streak (eight games). That streak includes wins against powerhouses Boston — the only team ahead of the Magic in the Eastern Conference — and Milwaukee.

Despite being eliminated from the inaugural in-season tournament due to point differential, the Magic have unlocked something special. Under third-year head coach Jamahl Mosley, the Magic emphasize defensive intensity. The team has a remarkable 107.6 defensive rating (third in NBA), averages 9.2 steals per game (second) and limits opponents to just 11.7 second-chance points per game (third).

"(Our team is) getting the message that what we've talked about, it works," said Mosley, per NBA.com. "Our guys have registered that we are doing the right thing. They're now grasping all the concepts that we need. There is a maturity of bringing this group back together, which I think is great. Now, you know that guys are getting the lesson of what we're trying to teach."

A shining example of the team's growth and maturity is second-year forward Paolo Banchero. Building off his impressive Rookie of the Year campaign from last season, Banchero averages 19.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists. He recently was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week.

"Coach Mos, I gave him credit, he came in from training camp saying he wanted to be a No.1-caliber defensive team in the league," said Banchero, per Andscape. "That is what we have been so far. Give huge credit to the coaches for instilling that in us and the players for executing it."

Against the Wizards on Wednesday, the Magic had five double-digit scorers — a testament to the team's depth — and three players over 20: Franz Wagner (31), Jalen Suggs (22) and Cole Anthony off the bench (25). 

At home against Washington on Friday. the Magic will aim to extend their winning streak to an NBA-season-high nine.