Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 11
Next

Orlando Magic’s top moments vs. LeBron James

7. Christmas Day Clash

December 25, 2003

38. Final/OT. 101. 156. 113

A rookie LeBron James playing his 29th game in the league went against prime Tracy McGrady in a showcase game on the NBA’s Christmas Day calendar. And the two did not disappoint.

The James-McGrady duel started in the first half with both tallying 20 and 19 points respectively ending the half at Orlando Magic 60, Cleveland Cavaliers 58. The second half followed suit until the final minutes when Carlos Boozer put up a personal 6-2 run to tie the game at 97.

The game came down to James nailing a 3-pointer to send the game to overtime. It really looked like the young rookie could stand up to the All-NBA scoring dynamo.

Luckily, Orlando had a Juwan Howard outburst in overtime along with McGrady to win overtime 16- 4 and finish the Christmas Day clash. Even in a down year for the Magic, McGrady was the master and this league did not yet belong to the young King.

Still, this remains one of the best games between James and the Magic. A game that felt big even in the moment as a true test for James. One that he passed and made clear he would be a star in this league for years to come.