The top 10 games of the Orlando Magic’s 2021 season

Top 10 Orlando Magic Games of 2021 Season

7. Call it a Comeback — at Washington Wizards (Dec. 27)

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Orlando Magic’s production off their bench gives them life

Remember when the Orlando Magic had that invincible feeling this year? That notion that they could withstand a rally, take a punch and punch back? When there was some determination and grit and a belief — a true belief — they could win no matter what?

So much of the early season optimism came from the team’s third game of the season. After defeating the Washington Wizards on the road the night before, the Orlando Magic had a tall task to do it again.

Down 17 points early in the fourth quarter, the road to a win seemed tougher. A 2-1 record was still a solid showing to start the season. But Orlando was not that team to settle for that.

Michael Carter-Williams and the bench lit the spark. They got things going for the Magic and from there Markelle Fultz and Nikola Vucevic took things over from there.

Orlando not only erased the deficit, but the team took control with Fultz leading the way for a career-high 26 points on 11-for-21 shooting. Fultz was going to make a mark in his hometown.

He deftly funneled the ball behind him to Nikola Vucevic for a key layup and made a shot of his own to complete the comeback and put the Wizards away.

Everyone believed that not only was Fultz back but that he might be reclaiming some of that top overall pick talent. Some of the moves he put on and the way he kept such an even keel throughout the game to finish the comeback were signs that something more special could be brewing.

Of course, nobody knew what was going to happen a little less than two weeks later. But everyone was enjoying Fultz’s renaissance for the time being. This was a master class.

And, boy, does everyone want to see this Fultz back sooner than later.