Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Shabazz Napier

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Nov 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Ty Lawson (3) is called for a foul as Orlando Magic guard Shabazz Napier (13) drives the ball during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Ty Lawson (3) is called for a foul as Orlando Magic guard Shabazz Napier (13) drives the ball during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next

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