Orlando Magic Daily
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A look back at Tracy McGrady’s best performances with the Orlando Magic

By Ruben Badillo

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 30: Tracy McGrady #1 of the Orlando Magic prepares to dunk on a breakaway during the game against the Washington Wizards at TD Waterhouse Centre on December 30, 2002 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic won 112-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2002 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 30: Tracy McGrady #1 of the Orlando Magic prepares to dunk on a breakaway during the game against the Washington Wizards at TD Waterhouse Centre on December 30, 2002 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic won 112-95. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2002 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE/Getty Images) /
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52 points in three quarters

Tracy McGrady had several prolific scoring performances throughout his career with the Orlando Magic. The 62-point performance chief among them — as you read earlier.

But his best performance might have been one that was cut a bit short. Cut short because he only needed three quarters to do his work.

McGrady scored 52 points in three quarters against the Chicago Bulls in February 2003. It was a statement game from a superstar dealing with change.

The Magic had traded Mike Miller a few days earlier. McGrady was a bit despondent to see one of his best friends on the team dealt. Orlando was trying to mix things up in a contentious Playoff race (Orlando would finish eighth).

McGrady got over it with this masterful performance. He scored 52 points on 15-for-32 shooting, making six 3-pointers and 16 of 20 free throws. This was McGrady in a fit of rage and scoring at his absolute best. The Bulls were done after three quarters in the 110-96 Magic victory.

Orlando saw lots of McGrady playing like this. But never quite like this. Never just dominating a team on his own like this.

These scoring outbursts were part of what defined McGrady’s legacy and made him a Hall of Famer.

What are your favorite Tracy McGrady memories? Share them in the comments below!

Next: Penny Hardaway or Tracy McGrady? Darrell Armstrong weighs in

Philip Rossman-Reich contributed to this report.