Orlando Magic Daily
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Ranking the Orlando Magic’s best performances at the All-Star Game

By Philip Rossman-Reich

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 17: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards and Team LeBron shoots against Nikola Vu?evi? #9 of the Orlando Magic and Team Giannis during the NBA All-Star game as part of the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend at Spectrum Center on February 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Team LeBron won 178-164. 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. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 17: Bradley Beal #3 of the Washington Wizards and Team LeBron shoots against Nikola Vu?evi? #9 of the Orlando Magic and Team Giannis during the NBA All-Star game as part of the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend at Spectrum Center on February 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Team LeBron won 178-164. 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. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
LAS VEGAS – FEBRUARY 18: Dwight Howard #12 of the Eastern Conference dunks against the Western Conference during the 2007 NBA All-Star Game on February 18, 2007 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The West won 153-132. 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 2007 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images) /

5. 2007 Dwight Howard

20 points, 12 rebounds, 7 offensive rebounds, 10/14 FGs

It is quite amazing that Dwight Howard’s best All-Star Game was his first All-Star Game. Usually, players are nervous about stepping onto the main stage.

But there is another factor that plays into these kinds of games — effort.

If there is a player who is willing to put in a little bit of effort on the glass or on defense, they can have a big impact on the game. Howard probably did not know to pace himself through his first All-Star experience. After getting into a dance battle with Shaquille O’Neal, Dwight Howard needed to save some face.

But his effort throughout the game on the glass was simply better than everyone else. He worked the offensive glass for seven offensive rebounds. Assuming he put back every one of those for dunks, that already marks as one of the best games in the Magic’s All-Star Game history.

Howard was still in his infancy as he made his first All-Star Game. His game was still about defense and rebounding as he added more to his post arsenal. And he was still killer in the pick and roll. The Eastern Conference team at the time must have loved throwing lobs to him and having him there to clean things up.

Despite this strong individual performance, Howard had really yet to establish himself on a national stage. That would come very soon.

4. 1995 Shaquille O’Neal

22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks, 9/16 FGs

The Orlando Magic were front and center for the 1995 All-Star Game. Shaquille O’Neal and Anfernee Hardaway were the first Magic teammates to make the All-Star Game together. And coach Brian Hill and his staff were in charge of the Eastern Conference team.

Shaquille O’Neal led the Eastern Conference team in scoring in this game, continuing to add to his entertaining resume — even with second-year player Grant Hill gaining the most votes in the voting.

O’Neal was the dominant force he always is. And that is including adding the entertainment factor as he was at the height of his powers (with the Magic) in this season.