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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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9. Shaq’s Playoff Debut

1995 First Round Game 1 — 24 points, 19 rebounds

The first career Playoff game for a player is a special time. It truly is a different experience and a different season for every player. This game doubled as both Shaquille O’Neal’s first Playoff game and the Magic’s first franchise Playoff game.

O’Neal did not disappoint. He dominated the game on the inside and gave the Magic every opportunity to win.

The Magic were ready for the stage. Or at least O’Neal was.

Orlando led by as much as 17 points to start the game, feeding off the sellout crowd at the Orlando Arena. But the more experienced Pacers worked their way back.

Orlando was likely to win that game, actually, until Byron Scott hit the game-winning shot to silence the crowd. As O’Neal told the Orlando Sentinel after the game, the Magic did everything but win the game. Their youth was apparent as they crumbled in the fourth quarter.

Anfernee Hardaway came back with 31 points the next game (above) in his second Playoff game. But the Pacers stole that game too. Indiana completed the three-game sweep.