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Orlando Magic 2017 Season Review: Top 10 Games of 2017

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 14, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jodie Meeks (20) reacts during a timeout in the second quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jodie Meeks (20) reacts during a timeout in the second quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Serge Ibaka, Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder
Nov 13, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) dunks the ball in front of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Domantis Sabonis(3) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

November 13, 2016

149. 119. 38. Final. 117

Before everyone began to understand the weight of the season Russell Westbrook was about to have, the main storyline as the Orlando Magic arrived in Oklahoma City was Serge Ibaka’s return to play his former team.

There was no ill will from any party like the other contentious departure from the Thunder, but it was still a statement game for Ibaka and for the Magic.

Neither side disappointed.

Ibaka scored 31 points on 13-for-19 shooting, including the baseline jumper that proved to be the game-winner for the Magic, in an emotional 119-117 win.

Ibaka rightfully took most of the headlines in this game. But this was also quietly one of Elfrid Payton’s better games from earlier in the season.

Payton finished with 23 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. He nearly got his own triple-double (Westbrook got 41-12-16 for the record).

His shooting and scoring numbers were wildly inconsistent throughout the year. But in this game, Payton made all the big shots his team needed. He finished 10 for 19 from the floor with three 3-point makes. He made a lot of the plays that ended up setting up Ibaka’s game-winning heroics.

"When the Thunder did those things in the fourth quarter Sunday, Payton made them pay. He got free on the right corner and hit a 3-pointer. The following possession he hit one from the left corner. The two shots helped stave off Oklahoma City’s rally and give the Magic a one-point lead on each occasion. His confidence was growing."

This was a game where everything clicked for Orlando to get a good win. It seemed like the start of something very good for the Magic.

The victory was cathartic for so many reasons. Orlando felt like it had a meaningful win for a teammate.