Orlando Magic Daily
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2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Aaron Gordon

By Philip Rossman-Reich

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 27: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Indiana Pacers on January 27, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 27: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball against the Indiana Pacers on January 27, 2018 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Best Game of 2018

Nov. 29 vs. Oklahoma City: 40 points, 13/23 FGs, 6/12 3FGs, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals

As the Orlando Magic cruised to a lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the atmosphere in the Amway Center was a bit uneasy. The Magic had seen this script before. Russell Westbrook was coming to put an onslaught on the Magic’s 20-point lead as he had the previous two seasons. That is what Westbrook does.

But that rush never came. Or, better, it was halted. At this point of the season, the Magic had their own weapon.

Aaron Gordon was going to make his stand, helping the Magic snap a nine-game losing streak in the process.

From the start of the game, Gordon was in the zone. He was draining 3-pointers and just scoring from everywhere. The Magic were rolling and their young star was the one leading the charge.

In the second half, knowing that potential onslaught was coming from the Thunder, the Magic kept Gordon in the game and let him ride. They let him take control and take the team to this needed victory. And Gordon just continued to step up.

There were a few times throughout the season when it seemed the Magic saw exactly what Gordon could be at his apex.

He could be someone who changed the game defensively with his athleticism. Or someone who could drain 3-pointers off the dribble or off reversals. And someone who could attack in transition and finish at the rim. This was Gordon at his absolute best.

The one that had everyone believing him at the beginning of the season. And these scoring outbursts were not isolated. He had more than a few. But none felt bigger than this one at the time.