You believe in Magic? Although only around two decades old, the Orlando Magic have already made 10 NBA playoff appearances, won three division crowns, a pair of trips to the Eastern Conference Finals and a trip to the NBA Finals. Next on the team’s wish list is their franchise’s first NBA Championship.
What is so magical about the name Orlando? After a “team name” contest, the three finalists were:
or the juice
or the magic
or the tropics
The thing from “The Magic” franchise, which alludes to Orlando’s main attraction: The Walt Disney World Resort. As the largest and most visited tourist center on Earth, it is truly magical for both children and adults who visit it.
After a four-year grassroots effort, the Orlando Magic started an NBA expansion team during the 1989-1990 season. Unfortunately, his first season in the league was less than magical. The New Jersey Nets trapped the Magic in a 118-110 loss, during the franchise’s opener. Unfortunately, the Magic’s first NBA season was disappointing as well, going 18-64.
However, the Magic had a magical year just five years after entering the NBA. They had added Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal (Center) and Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway (Guard) to their roster, making them true contenders in the NBA. In fact, Orlando finished the 1994-1995 season with an outstanding record of 57-25.
In their second trip to the playoffs, the Magic made opponents disappear into thin air. They would crush the Boston Celtics (3-1), beat Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls (4-2) and defeat the Indiana Pacers (4-3). However, in the NBA Finals Orlando seemed to run out of magic. In Game 1, the Houston Rockets tied it up with a buzzer-beater and ultimately won in overtime. They won the NBA Championship by sweeping the Orlando Magic (4-0).
During the next season (1995-1996), the Orlando Magic posted a spectacular 60-22 regular season record, heading into the playoffs. Orlando crushed the Detroit Pistons (3-0) and then the Atlanta Hawks (4-1). However, Michael Jordan and the Bulls would avenge their Eastern Conference Championship loss to the Magic, during the previous year. This time they trampled the Magic (4-0).
In roughly two decades, Orlando Magic rosters have included some of the NBA’s biggest stars, including:
Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway
Hardaway has been to four All-Star games and three All-NBA teams.
Hill Grant (2000–2007)
Hill was the NBA’s co-“Rookie of the Year” in 1995 and has been to seven NBA All-Star games.
Dwight Howard
Howard has played in two NBA All-Star games and was the 2008 NBA Slam Dunk Champion.
Tracy McGrady
Grady has been to seven NBA All-Star games and has won two NBA scoring titles.
Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal
Shaq has won four NBA championships and has been to 14 All-Star games.
Although one of the youngest teams in the NBA, the Orlando Magic have already come a long way in the NBA Finals. Wear Orlando Magic merchandise to cheer on the team as they strive to make an NBA Finals trophy appear!
