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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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Nov 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Jonathan Simmons (17, left), and center Dewayne Dedmon (3), and power forward David Lee (10) look on during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) shoots the ball as San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Jonathon Simmons (17, left), and center Dewayne Dedmon (3), and power forward David Lee (10) look on during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

November 29, 2016

38. Final. 83. 29. 95

You can count the number of times the Orlando Magic have won in San Antonio on one hand. It would not take a whole lot of fingers actually. In the team’s 27-year history, the Magic had just four wins in San Antonio.

Late in November this team — yes, this inconsistent bunch — got them win number five. And did so convincingly, giving the Magic garbage time on the road against the Spurs.

This game was less about individual performances — Serge Ibaka led the team with 18 points in the 95-83 win. This game was more about how well the group was playing defensively. And to start a five-game road trip, this was one of the defining wins that build confidence moving forward.

Orlando gave up an 89.5 offensive rating, according to Basketball-Reference, seemingly beating San Antonio at its own game.

This was the Magic’s defense at its absolute best this season. The offense was not great, but it did enough, eventually gaining some distance. And Orlando had the confidence to score at the absolute critical moments.

If there was a way for the Magic to envision the ideal win, it was this game. It was on the back of its defense and with just enough offense to win comfortably. This was a win the Magic could hang their hats on, and probably the best win of this early season.