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Orlando Magic NBA Playoffs: The top 10 Orlando Magic playoff performances

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins inducts Penny Hardaway into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins inducts Penny Hardaway into the Orlando Magic Hall of Fame during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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1. Dwight Howard closes out the King

2009 Eastern Conference Finals Game 6 — 40 points, 14 rebounds

Dwight Howard’s closeout game against the Cleveland Cavaliers might very well be his best performance in a Magic uniform. It seemed from the opening tip Howard was going to dominate. Really it seemed that way for this series when Howard dunked so hard in Game One the shot clock collapsed off the basket.

Howard showed off a wide variety of post moves, putting Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Anderson Varejao in a blender in the post. This was Howard at his most dominant.

This was really Howard before he seemingly faced all the criticism that dogged him in his career. Howard was just free, using his athleticism and brute force to overwhelm helpless defenders in the post. The Magic had the demeanor of someone naive. This whole Magic team seemed a bit naive — surprised themselves they were advancing this far.

Sports Illustrated asked if Howard smiled too much to start the Playoffs. This was Howard showing it did not matter. He could smile while dancing on your grave, depriving the NBA of its much-sought-after Kobe Bryant-LeBron James Finals.

Howard was never better when he smiled his way to the Finals in this game.

Next: The Best Dunkers in Orlando Magic history

What are your favorite Orlando Magic Playoff performances? Let us know in the comments below!