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10 more classic Orlando Magic games to watch (1995-2009 edition)

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Tracy McGrady recorded one of the Orlando Magic's all-time best playoff performances. (Mandatory Credit: Eliot Schechter/ALLSPORT NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorialsports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.)
Tracy McGrady recorded one of the Orlando Magic's all-time best playoff performances. (Mandatory Credit: Eliot Schechter/ALLSPORT NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos. User acknowledges that it is aware that Allsport is an editorialsports agency and that NO RELEASES OF ANY TYPE ARE OBTAINED from the subjects contained in the photographs.) /
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Penny’s Playoff Best

April 30, 1996: Penny sweeps the Pistons

38. 98. 64. Final. 101

The Orlando Magic were swept out of the Playoffs in their first three playoff appearances. It is a painful and (frankly) embarrassing thing. Having done it twice in 1994 and 1995 with homecourt advantage even more so. They have only swept three Playoff series in their franchise history — two of them in the first two rounds of the 2010 Playoffs.

Their first Playoff sweep in 1996 was a pretty sweet one. In fact, the Magic went through the first two rounds of the 1996 Playoffs in much the same way they ran through e2010 Playoffs, losing only Game 4 against the Atlanta Hawks.

The 3-0 sweep over the Detroit Pistons was a pretty impressive one. But Detroit fought to their last breath in Game 3, losing 101-98 after falling by more than 20 points in the two games at the Orlando Arena.

Anfernee Hardaway scored 24 points to lead the Magic with Shaquille O’Neal dealing with a stomach bug. Everyone stepped up to finish the series and get to the next round — the whole Playoffs that year seemed pointing toward a rematch with the Chicago Bulls.

A young Grant Hill scored 17 points as the Pistons starters did their best to stay in the game.

April 29, 1997: Penny’s first salvo

75. 110. 88. 38. Final

The Orlando Magic got blown out in their first two games of the 1997 NBA Playoffs against the in-state Miami Heat. The second-seeded Heat just seemed to have their number. The Magic were dealing with injuries as Rony Seikaly went down early in Game 3. Horace Grant was not 100 percent either.

The Magic quickly needed their star player to step up if they were going to survive. What followed was perhaps the two greatest individual performances in Magic playoff history. Figuring out which one is better might be a debate that is folly.

Anfernee Hardaway dominated the game, scoring 42 points on 16-for-30 shooting. Coach Richie Audubato said after all the injuries that had befallen the team in the series, he had no other option but to turn to his star player and ride him all the way to the finish.

This game is notable as the first game Darrell Armstrong really came to the front. He scored 21 points off the bench and helped hold Tim Hardaway to 12 points on 4-for-16 shooting. Brian Shaw had lost his starting spot from that point forward.

And the Magic lived to fight another day. Highlights are available in the Orlando Magic Daily Video Vault.

May 1, 1997: Penny Does it Again

91. 110. 99. 38. Final

It is one thing to drop 40 to avoid elimination once. To do it again in a best-of-5 series and force that decisive game in Miami is something else.

Hardaway provided an encore with 41 points on 12-for-23 shooting, playing all 48 minutes. As far as efficiency and dominance go, Hardaway put in the two best scoring performances in Magic playoff history. These games are iconic for Hardaway’s individual brilliance.

The Magic would nearly steal the series in Game 5, a couple of late shots from Tim Hardaway saved the day for the Heat. But this was Hardaway at the peak of his powers.

For fans who want to remember what Hardaway was like at his very best, these are the games to watch. He was breathtaking, shooting and scoring over every defender thrown at him.

It is pretty crazy that FOX Sports Florida did not set up a doubleheader to show both of these classic Magic games. They are among the very best the team has to offer. We have highlights available in the Orlando Magic Video Vault.