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The top 10 games of the Orlando Magic’s 2023 season

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Paolo Banchero has turned in a stellar rookie year. But the Orlando Magic need him to break through a rookie wall to make a postseason push. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Paolo Banchero has turned in a stellar rookie year. But the Orlando Magic need him to break through a rookie wall to make a postseason push. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat
Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic can no longer make the postseason. But they still have things to accomplish. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /

Top 10 games of the Orlando Magic’s 2023 season

2. OT Redemption — vs. Miami Heat (March 11)

38. Final/OT. 114. 110. 126

A month before this game at the Amway Center, the Miami Heat were in Orlando.

The Orlando Magic took a 16-point lead and watched the Miami Heat take that lead away. Jimmy Butler hit big shots and the Magic were struggling to stop the bleeding. As the game went to overtime, the Magic were clearly rattled a bit and they bowed out quickly.

The fact the Heat continued to do this in the playoffs against elite teams is a little bit of solace. But this was a veteran team teaching a young team a lesson.

So a month later in March, the Heat arrived at the Amway Center. The Magic knew this was a big test for them. They again took a big lead. They again watched it dissipate — with Butler hitting a game-tying three late.

How would this Magic team respond? What lesson did they learn?

It is never fun losing a big lead on your home floor, especially to a hated rival. But for a young team, being put in the exact same situation and having to respond and grow is a big thing. The Magic needed to learn and grow. And to get this direct comparison had to be rewarding.

Orlando did not shrivel in overtime this time. Instead, they dominated.

They hit big shots and made big plays. They were not rattled this time. Instead, they looked at each other heading into overtime and resolved not to lose the game.

So Orlando went out and built the lead and closed the door at long last against the Heat. It was a meaningful and special win for the team. An important one for this young team.

To have this happen a month after one of the worst losses of the season was special for a young team. And it was easy to see the confidence the Magic had grown in late-game situations. This is a game that mattered and one the team likely will reference and know the next time they find themselves late in a game and needing to rally for a win.