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Orlando Magic Year in Review: Top 10 games of 2016

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) high fives guard Brandon Jennings (55) after a play against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Orlando Magic 119-113. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) high fives guard Brandon Jennings (55) after a play against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Orlando Magic 119-113. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Serge Ibaka, Orlando Magic, Goran Dragic, Miami Heat
Dec 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) makes a three point basket as Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) applies pressure during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Magic defeated the Heat in a double overtime 136-130. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

December 20, 2016

38. Final. 130. 110. 136

In the course of the last four years, the Orlando Magic have faced their share of heartache late in games. Poor execution, missed free throws at the wrong time, turnovers that defy explanation have all cost the Magic games in the least four years.

Those losses have seemingly gone double with the Miami Heat. Orlando has struggled specifically with its in-state rival. And 2016 might be a year that goes down for that rivalry becoming much more balanced.

The Magic were down big, a nearly impossible amount with such little time, in Miami. Goran Dragic missed a few free throws and the Magic pulled out a few big shots. The biggest came after Evan Fournier missed an open shot coming around a flare screen. Serge Ibaka grabbed the rebound and flipped the ball wildly into the basket to force overtime.

The Magic had to fight back in overtime too. They had to get another missed free throw late and make two of their own. But in the second overtime, all that work paid off. The Magic had the Heat on the ropes and a big 136-130 win for their season.

Nikola Vucevic scored 26 off the bench. Evan Fournier had 26 himself. And Elfrid Payton scored 22 to go with six assists.

The game served a reminder of who the Magic could be.

Sure the Heat are not the best opponent this season. But every win counts the same and the Magic showed a lot of determination to get that win.