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The 10 greatest moments in Orlando Magic history

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Anfernee Hardaway sported the Orlando Magic's original pinstripes jersey, a classic that still creates buzz around the league. (Photo by Andrew D Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Anfernee Hardaway sported the Orlando Magic's original pinstripes jersey, a classic that still creates buzz around the league. (Photo by Andrew D Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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1. Nick Anderson stole the ball

May 7, 1995: Orlando Magic steal Game 1 from Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls

The moment is imprinted deep within the soul of Orlando Magic fans.

During the current hiatus, the Magic released two “wash your lyrics” memes. One was a guide on how to wash your hands set to the original Orlando Magic theme song. The other was… it is better to watch it:

https://twitter.com/OrlandoMagic/status/1243051602698797056

David Steele was miming his famous call in his driveway while bored and hanging with his family without actual basketball to watch too. It is the greatest radio/television call in Magic history and undoubtedly the most important greatest singular moment in Magic history.

They made the immortal Michael Jordan look human.

The Magic entered Game 1 with homecourt advantage, but they were the underdogs. Jordan was slowly getting back to his peak and the Bulls had all the experience against the upstart Magic. Chicago was favored to advance once again — plus, it’s Michael Jordan.

The nip-and-tuck Game 1 came down to the final seconds with the Bulls having possession and the shot clock up with a one-point lead.

Michael Jordan brought the ball up and seemed to get past Nick Anderson as the Magic waited to foul. Jordan looked over both shoulders trying to feel where Anderson was. He lost sight of him and Anderson pounced, tipping the ball away from behind. Anfernee Hardaway picked it up, fed it to Horace Grant and got the dunk to give the Magic a one-point lead.

Orlando would hold on and force Jordan to retire wearing No. 45. He was angry. He just did not have enough to stop this team.

The Magic would win the series in six games, coming from behind in Game 6 on the road to defeat the Bulls and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. It was Jordan’s last playoff series loss.

If anybody did not believe in the Magic and ask why the young team couldn’t win the title before that moment, they certainly had to let that go after. The Magic went toe to toe with Jordan and won.

Few people can say that.

Next. Orlando Magic should retire jerseys. dark

I know this is not an exhaustive or probably an accurate list. So share with us your favorite Magic moments in the comments below or on Twitter @OMagicDaily!