Orlando Magic Daily
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How to convince your friends to watch the Orlando Magic

By Alex Horvath

Dec 16, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Shabazz Napier (13) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) react to a three point basket by Magic forward Channing Frye (not pictured) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Shabazz Napier (13) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) react to a three point basket by Magic forward Channing Frye (not pictured) during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 14, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Team Westbrook legend Penny Hardaway (1) and Team Westbrook forward Tamika Catchings of the Indiana Fever (24, right) high-five during the 2015 NBA All Star Shooting Stars competition at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2015; New York, NY, USA; Team Westbrook legend Penny Hardaway (1) and Team Westbrook forward Tamika Catchings of the Indiana Fever (24, right) high-five during the 2015 NBA All Star Shooting Stars competition at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The History

The 1990s Orlando Magic featured some of the best basketball ever displayed on the hardwood. With players like Shaquille O’Neal, Anfernee Hardaway, Nick Anderson and Dennis Scott. It all started when Shaquille O’Neal was drafted with the first overall selection in 1992. After barely missing out on the playoffs his rookie year, the team then drafted Anfernee Hardaway the following year.

Setting up a dynasty waiting to happen, one that could have competed with Michael Jordan‘s Bulls year after year if it wasn’t for injuries and the departure of one of the greatest centers in NBA history. They even did so in 1995, defeating the Bulls 4-2 in the second round of the playoffs on the way to the NBA Finals. Becoming the last team to beat Jordan in the playoffs, now that is something to brag about.

Then the team went on to defeat Reggie Miller‘s Indiana Pacers in an epic seven-game showdown.

Some of the most memorable Orlando Magic moments in franchise history (Only spanning 27 years) were during this era. Shaq and Penny would have been the best dynamic duo next to Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

So, if you need yet another reason to watch the team, think about the brief, but fantastic history that has occurred with this team. Many memorable moments will happen once again with this team.

The 90’s Magic will even get their own 30 for 30 feature on ESPN, premiering in April.

Next: The commentary