One source of that frustration is a 2-9 stretch that pushed Orlando below the .500 mark — and the team has yet to climb back over it.
The condensed schedule that has created lineup challenges across the NBA is another component of frustration. A third is that the Magic — naturally — have raised their expectation level after back-to-back postseason appearances. Qualifying for the playoffs is no longer enough.
Sitting ninth in the Eastern Conference with an 8-11 record is a reminder of how much work is left to do.
“I think the other part is they understand the goalposts have moved,” Clifford said.