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Orlando Magic on Hiatus: The top 10 games of the 2020 season (so far)

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Markelle Fultz and the Orlando Magic made a strong first impression in their season opener. (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images)
Markelle Fultz and the Orlando Magic made a strong first impression in their season opener. (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images) /
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3. Comeback Redux — at Grizzlies (March 10)

115. 211. Final. 120. 38

Our Coverage: Grades; Orlando Magic return home with that familiar playoff feeling

FOX Sports Florida Re-Air: April 15, 8 p.m.

It was roughly one year ago the Orlando Magic’s season made its final turn toward the playoffs.

The Orlando Magic trailed at home to the Memphis Grizzlies by nearly 20 points in a game they had to win. Their comeback was a sign they were playoff ready. It was a sign they were serious about completing their run to the postseason. It was confirmation to fans that it was time to buy into this team.

So when the Magic were down by 16 to finish off a road trip against the Grizzlies, it felt a little like deja vu. Orlando stormed back, beginning with a run in the third quarter. Then they poured it on to pull away from Memphis and score a huge win.

The Magic scored 70 points in the second half behind strong bench performances. Terrence Ross scored 24 points and Michael Carter-Williams added 20 off the bench. The Magic found the will to come back and take the victory.

That was something that has largely been missing from the team throughout the course of the season. It felt like there were a series of letdowns.

The first half of this game was certainly a letdown. The Magic got outmuscled and outplayed through much of the first half. It took some inspired play from the second unit just to keep it a game. They have done that so many times this year.

But slowly the Magic started mounting their comeback. Their defensive intensity spiked to match the urgency of the moment. This is the kind of team Orlando had been waiting to see and be all year.

At the end of a long road trip, the Magic found the will to take the victory. They dug down deep and made the plays necessary to close the game. The Magic were beginning to realize their potential.

Unfortunately, everything was then cut short. The league-wide hiatus in response to the coronavirus made this the last time we saw the Magic for a while.

At least it was a good memory.