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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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Aaron Gordon, Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs
Nov 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Orlando Magic power forward Aaron Gordon (00) dunks the ball during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

November 29, 2016

38. Final. 83. 29. 95

The San Antonio Spurs carry weight. A ton of weight. Wins over the Spurs still have a lot of meaning. Especially in San Antonio at the AT&T Center.

The Magic were starting a five-game road trip in San Antonio — the annual December road trip. This was going to be the time when we find out who this Magic team would be. This is the usual proving ground road trip.

Starting off with a win in San Antonio would bode very well for the team.

Not only did the Magic start off well, but they dominated the Spurs on their home floor. If there was a reason to begin believing in this Magic team in early December, this was the win to point to.

Orlando had complete defensive control and won running away 95-83 (notice the trademark low score).

This was the game that seemed to announce the Magic’s arrival as a legitimate Playoff contender. The team’s defense was already playing at a high level. They just needed a little bit of offense to make good on the defense.

And it really was not much. This was a game where the Magic got the offense going and delivered for a win. It was a rare occasion at this point of the season.

"The Magic needed the simplest thing in the world to happen — to make shots. Maybe more complexly to get into an offensive rhythm and put teams on their heels. Make them desperate to score and crack a defense that can throw rim protectors and length at them repeatedly. Consistency is still some ways away. But the Magic showed they can beat anybody when they get their offense rolling. At long last, they did."

While at the time, it seemed like the Magic were turning a corner, it proved it did not. Just like so many other momentary signs the team was playing well, this too dissipated.

The Magic won four of the five games on this five-game road trip. But it was Orlando’s last ride. The season seemingly quickly collapsed as the Magic got home from that road trip. The defense slipped and the offense never came around.

Still, there are these memories. These flashes where the team played well.

And the Magic did not play any better than this day in San Antonio.

Next: 2017 Orlando Magic Season Review: A season of miscalculations

What were your favorite games from the 2017 season? Send us your favorite games by commenting in the comment section below or by tweeting at us @OMagicDaily.