Best Game of 2016
Nov. 11 vs. Lakers
22 pts., 8/16 FGs, 5/9 3FGs
The Nov. 11 game between the Orlando Magic and Los Angeles Lakers is best remembered for Nikola Vucevic‘s game-winning shot that ended it. His turnaround fadeaway over Roy Hibbert became one of the highlights of the season and a symbol the Magic were perhaps toughening up and turning a corner.
Of course, that game was actually an ugly one where the Magic looked shaky on their home floor and gave up a double-digit lead to trail late.
Orlando does not win this game, as even Scott Skiles put it after the game, without Shabazz Napier.
This was a game where Napier was playing at his absolute best. He was stepping confidently into and draining shots. He got on a hot streak as the Lakers dared him to beat them.
This night he did. And that set up Vucevic’s heroics and a win that did build confidence for the team moving forward.
Next: 2017 Outlook