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.