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2018-19 Orlando Magic Season Review: Top 10 games of the season

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 5: Wes Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic reacts against the Atlanta Hawks on April 5, 2019 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 5: Wes Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic reacts against the Atlanta Hawks on April 5, 2019 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 30: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic celebrates with his team after making the game-winning shot after the game against the Detroit Pistons on December 30, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Orlando Magic made a memorable and surprising run to their first playoff berth in seven years. They picked up several big wins along the way.

The opponent for the Orlando Magic’s final home game was not the biggest opponent they could face. It was not an opponent that demanded all of their attention.

The Orlando Magic had made quick work of the Atlanta Hawks in three previous meetings. This final home game was very much a playoff game for Orlando, but one the team could easily sleepwalk through. The fans would leave the game — win or lose — not knowing the team’s playoff fate. This very well could be their goodbye.

The Magic gave them a reason to cheer. And the fans superpowered the Magic to one of their best games of the season.

It became a celebration of the team in general. This last dance on the Amway Center floor. The Magic took care of business with a 36-point victory where they scored 149 points and topped 40 points in the first quarter. It was a romp.

The team would have to clinch its playoff spot on the road in one of the toughest environments. The game against the Boston Celtics started off rough too, down by double digits in the first half. Then things turned around and the team assured their first playoff berth in seven years.

The Magic got two more home games. That too became a celebration, although the Toronto Raptors sucked much of the energy and joy from that.

Those two games encapsulated the fun of the season. Orlando was along for the ride.

And the Magic took their fans for a ride. It was a completely new and different season. Something the team has not experienced in nearly a decade. A playoff berth was a worthy reward. The prize at the end of the road.

The rebuild is not over by any means. The team still has a lot of work to do to build for its future.

But this season was special. There are very few seasons where the Magic truly surprise everyone. Those end up becoming the most memorable seasons in franchise history — the 1995 Finals run, the 2000 Heart and Hustle team, the 2008 Southeast Division championship and 2009 Finals run. This season will take its place among them.

Unlike years past, there are no moral victories (or very few) among the most memorable games. There are games that will resonate with fans for a long, long time.