Orlando Magic Daily
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Top 10 Orlando Magic Moments vs. LeBron James

By Anthony Prodanovich

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 27: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at Amway Center on December 27, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 27: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at Amway Center on December 27, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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LeBron James, Miami Heat
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 03: Forward LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat against the Orlando Magic at Amway Arena on February 3, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic’s top moments vs. LeBron James

9. LeBron Backpacking through Orlando

February 3, 2011

38. Final. 104. 110. 100

A nationally televised game on TNT, the second-place Miami Heat visited Amway Center to face an Orlando Magic team who was fourth in the conference as this was the last year of Dwight Howard and the rivalry between Howard’s Magic and whoever LeBron James was playing for. This game was the 101st consecutive sellout crowd of the second year Amway Center and it saw a truly jaw-dropping performance from James.

A struggling Big 3 “Heatles” only had LeBron James to rely on, as Chris Bosh scored 13 points and Wade following with 14 of his own. The only other player to score double-digits was Magic fan favorite and Celtic instigator Eddie House with 10.

James though had plenty, scoring 51 points in 42 minutes for his career-best against the Magic. He made 68 percent of his shots and knocked down 14 of 17 free throws to edge a win against Dwight Howard’s 17-point, 16-rebound monster double-double and 40 points combined by Jameer Nelson and Jason Richardson.

Miami held the lead throughout the game, having a 23-point lead with 7:40 left in the game when Orlando went on a 33-13 run closing it to 103-100 after a Nelson pull-up 3 with 10.6 seconds left.

Former Magic Rookie of The Year Mike Miller, turned the ball over on the inbound, Ryan Anderson gets a one-dribble three from 25 feet contested by Joel Anthony (a 2023 closeout flagrant) but misses. Wade finished the game splitting free throws on the other end.

Even at James’ best, the Magic put up a big fight befitting the rivalry with the league’s best player.