The top 10 games of the Orlando Magic’s 2021 season
Top 10 Orlando Magic Games of 2021 Season
1. Never a doubt — vs. Memphis Grizzlies (May 1)
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Orlando Magic’s youth points to a brighter future as playoff dreams get snuffed out
It takes a certain amount of bravado to take the last shot. It takes a little bit of gusto and flair to demand the ball with the game on the line.
The Orlando Magic learned fairly quickly that Cole Anthony has that bit of a streak. They probably drafted him for that reason, needing a player with a scorer’s mentality and finding an extremely talented one in the middle of the first round.
Orlando fans already loved Anthony for his attitude. He lived and died for his teammates and constantly put his guys over while learning the league. He had the right mix of individual flare while still being about the team.
But this? This was his moment.
Nobody will probably remember our top game of the 2021 season for the 20-point comeback that Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter and R.J. Hampton led to knock off a game Memphis Grizzlies team. It will always come down to that shot — and the legendary walk-off interview that followed.
The ball inbounded to Anthony curling to the top of the key. The dribble moves he put on Kyle Anderson to shake him and create a little bit of space. The bravado to go for three when a two would have sent the game to overtime.
This is the kind of audacious play that endears a player to fans. Of course, Anthony was going to hit the shot. Of course, he was going to go for the win. Of course, he was going to deliver.
Magic fans were already in a tanking mode. But this is the exact kind of win the Magic wanted to have at this point of the season. They needed to see their young players step up and show they can deliver for the team in crucial situations.
Anthony scored 26 to go with his game-winner. R.J. Hampton had 18 points off the bench and was a crucial part of the team’s comeback efforts in the second half.
This will not be the team the Magic want to be as a final product. But they needed to see them perform with the stakes raised. They delivered this game.
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And no win pointed more toward the team’s future than this one. It was a memorable and needed performance.