Orlando Pinstriped Post - All PostsAn Orlando Magic blog with news, rumors, analysis, and commentaryhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/21281/orlando-fave.jpg2023-02-27T19:00:00-05:00http://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/rss/current/2023-02-27T19:00:00-05:002023-02-27T19:00:00-05:00Game 62: Magic vs. Pelicans
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<img alt="Charlotte Hornets v Orlando Magic" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dYqTYFMQNSV7QaNx5u66PgIz7xM=/0x637:3906x3241/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72019823/1244305901.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="HgWhMb">Who: Orlando Magic vs. New Orleans Pelicans</p>
<p id="BY3ZcS">When: Monday, February 27 at 8 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="IHib27">TV: Bally Sports Florida</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">GAME 62 TONIGHT<br> PELICANS<br> New Orleans, LA<br>⏰8 P.M.<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/BallySportsFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BallySportsFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BallyMagic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BallyMagic</a> (‘Magic Live’ starts at 7:30 P.M.)<br> Bally Sports App; Bally Sports+<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/969thegame?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@969thegame</a> <br> <a href="https://t.co/j9Hljw5O2X">https://t.co/j9Hljw5O2X</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MagicTogether?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MagicTogether</a> <br><br>What are they wearing? <a href="https://t.co/H65acQhEaS">pic.twitter.com/H65acQhEaS</a></p>— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) <a href="https://twitter.com/Magic_PR/status/1630194888498192384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2023</a>
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https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2023/2/27/23617830/game-62-magic-vs-pelicansMike Cali2023-02-26T07:37:00-05:002023-02-26T07:37:00-05:0030-year Orlandoversary: Anderson banks in game-winner from deep as Magic nip Bullets, 92-91
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<p id="C9lrow">Shaquille O’Neal became the star of the Orlando Magic franchise as a rookie during the 1992-93 season, but one might argue that in the clutch, no player was more valuable than guard Nick Anderson.</p>
<p id="HUttLF">The first-ever draft pick of the Magic, Anderson came through late time and time again that season, including on this day 30 years ago. With less than two seconds remaining, Anderson banked home a 3-pointer to lift Orlando to a thrilling 92-91 victory over the Washington Bullets.</p>
<p id="Gd1ddk">With more than four minutes to play on Feb. 26, 1993, the Magic had to be feeling good about their chances to leave Landover with a win. Orlando led 86-80, but Washington responded with a 10-1 run.</p>
<p id="CrzVxl">Tom Gugliotta, who finished with 21 points, scored to give the Bullets an 88-87 lead. His basket was followed by another from Buck Johnson to push the lead to three. </p>
<p id="6xGrGe">O’Neal led the Magic with 28 points and 11 rebounds. After his final basket of the night cut the deficit to 90-89, Michael Adams split a pair of free throws for Washington with 4.4 seconds left. That set the stage for Anderson to be the hero.</p>
<p id="AUOLfj">Well beyond the 3-point arc and without hesitation, Anderson caught the inbounds pass and fired from deep. The shot hit glass before falling through to put the Magic ahead for good with just 1.8 seconds remaining.</p>
<p id="aivop8">Anderson finished with 13 points on just 5-for-15 shooting, but led Orlando with six assists and two steals. Guards Scott Skiles (20) and Anthony Bowie (15) combined for 35 points in the victory.</p>
<p id="C7E0UD">Gugliotta was one of three Washington players to finish with at least 20 points. Gugliotta also led the team with 16 rebounds. LaBradford Smith finished with a team-high 22 points and six steals. Adams added 20 points and seven assists.</p>
<p id="vMAVNh">Throughout the course of the 1992-93 season, Orlando went a perfect 4-0 against the Bullets. The closest of those four meetings was decided by a banked-in 3-pointer by Anderson and on this day three decades ago. </p>
https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2023/2/26/23607620/30-year-orlandoversary-anderson-banks-in-game-winner-from-deep-as-magic-nip-bullets-92-91Mike Ferguson2023-02-25T18:00:00-05:002023-02-25T18:00:00-05:00Game 61: Magic vs. Pacers GameThread
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<img alt="NBA: Indiana Pacers at Orlando Magic" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mRUm2ut2cudNZr_6T1jTXRugcEU=/0x0:4213x2809/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72013650/usa_today_19859327.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="G5qyUk">Who: Orlando Magic vs. Indiana Pacers</p>
<p id="4PkVCn">When: February 25 at 7 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="jXIno5">TV: Bally Sports Florida</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">GAME 61 TONIGHT<br> PACERS<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/AmwayCenter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmwayCenter</a><br> ️<a href="https://t.co/rbNV5XTnXQ">https://t.co/rbNV5XTnXQ</a><br>⏰7 P.M.<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/BallySportsFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BallySportsFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BallyMagic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BallyMagic</a> (‘Magic Live’ starts at 6:30 P.M.)<br> Bally Sports App; Bally Sports+<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/969thegame?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@969thegame</a> <br> <a href="https://t.co/j9Hljw5O2X">https://t.co/j9Hljw5O2X</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MagicTogether?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MagicTogether</a> <br><br>What are they wearing? <a href="https://t.co/1LyMjSpLMW">pic.twitter.com/1LyMjSpLMW</a></p>— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) <a href="https://twitter.com/Magic_PR/status/1629481736139595776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2023</a>
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https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2023/2/25/23614897/game-61-magic-vs-pacers-gamethreadMike Cali2023-02-23T18:00:00-05:002023-02-23T18:00:00-05:00Game 60: Magic vs. Pistons GameThread
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<img alt="Orlando Magic v Detroit Pistons" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nI_lYq1VuXqSnHkoCNpIMHfJEJ8=/0x321:5274x3837/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72007440/1453333198.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="jMtz4Y">Who: Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons</p>
<p id="FM4gxd">When: Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. ET</p>
<p id="yuRA9O">TV: Bally Sports Florida</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">GAME 60 TONIGHT<br> PISTONS<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/AmwayCenter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmwayCenter</a><br> ️<a href="https://t.co/rbNV5XTnXQ">https://t.co/rbNV5XTnXQ</a><br>⏰7 P.M.<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/BallySportsFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BallySportsFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BallyMagic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BallyMagic</a> (‘Magic Live’ starts at 6:30 P.M.)<br> Bally Sports App; Bally Sports+<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/969thegame?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@969thegame</a> <br> <a href="https://t.co/j9Hljw5O2X">https://t.co/j9Hljw5O2X</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MagicTogether?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MagicTogether</a> <br><br>What are they wearing? <a href="https://t.co/Jo3XoePCEY">pic.twitter.com/Jo3XoePCEY</a></p>— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) <a href="https://twitter.com/Magic_PR/status/1628780170122240002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2023</a>
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https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2023/2/23/23612542/game-60-magic-vs-pistons-gamethreadMike Cali2023-02-22T07:47:00-05:002023-02-22T07:47:00-05:0025-year Orlandoversary: Anderson’s late 3 lifts Magic to victory, spoils Shaq’s return to Orlando
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<p id="4gFQ1Q">Many Orlando Magic fans still rue the day that All-Star and Hall of Fame center Shaquille O’Neal left the City Beautiful for the bright lights of Los Angeles.</p>
<p id="CSGDTI">On this day 25 years ago, however, it was the first-ever draft pick of the Magic that played the role of hero. In O’Neal’s return, Nick Anderson buried a late 3-pointer to lift Orlando to a thrilling 98-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.</p>
<p id="TTitYg">O’Neal was in his second season with the Lakers, but did not play in the trip to Orlando the year prior – a 110-84 victory for the Magic. As Los Angeles arrived at the Orlando Arena on Feb. 22, 1998, O’Neal made his presence felt.</p>
<p id="ZqNKKW">O’Neal would lead the Lakers with 20 points and 10 rebounds and played a big role in a fourth-quarter run. The Magic led 81-71 early in the fourth quarter, but a 21-4 run in which O’Neal scored five points turned a 10-point deficit into a 7-point lead for Los Angeles.</p>
<p id="y3tSm9">The Magic bounced back from a lackluster start to the period with an 8-0 run. Horace Grant scored the first five points during the run before Anderson went 3-for-4 from the foul line to give Orlando a 93-92 lead. After O’Neal and Kobe Bryant each split a pair of free throws, the Lakers led 94-93 with just 12 seconds remaining.</p>
<p id="Gjh4UI">To that point, Anderson had a game-high 27 points, but the most memorable points would be the final three. Off a screen, Anderson caught the pass from Derek Harper in stride. With L.A.’s Eddie Jones in his face, Anderson rose and buried the go-ahead trey with just 7.1 seconds remaining.</p>
<p id="ctHaJj">Jones would get a good look from deep of his own on the game’s final possession, but it was no good. O’Neal’s return to Orlando was spoiled as the Magic pulled out the victory.</p>
<div id="2wuRps"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XzbnwYr_6pQ?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="22xdDt">Anderson’s 30 points led six Orlando players in double figures. Harper added 18 points and a game-high seven assists. Derek Strong and Danny Schayes each finished with 12 points. Bo Outlaw and Grant each scored 10 while adding 14 and 10 rebounds, respectively. Outlaw also blocked five shots.</p>
<p id="o5RNPk">In addition to O’Neal’s double-double, Jones finished with 19 points in the loss. Bryant and Rick Fox added 18 and 15 points, respectively, for the Lakers.</p>
<p id="Z8cwLO">The big day served as Anderson’s second straight 30-point game and fourth straight game with at least 28 points. His late 3-pointer remains one of the most memorable moments from a career that had many big ones for the Magic. It came on this day a quarter-century ago.</p>
https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2023/2/22/23604491/25-year-orlandoversary-andersons-late-3-lifts-magic-to-victory-spoils-shaqs-return-to-orlandoMike Ferguson2023-02-21T08:10:00-05:002023-02-21T08:10:00-05:0030-year Orlandoversary: O’Neal becomes first Magic player to appear in All-Star Game
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<img alt="1993 NBA All Star Game" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0DOpXpr1yGyFJ5usw5Nq2IyuKts=/0x1:3598x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71997166/81592209.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="rfvWpg">Over the years, the Orlando Magic have had their fair share of superstars. They hope they have found another in Paolo Banchero.</p>
<p id="BYYT1N">On this day 30 years ago, however, Shaquille O’Neal became the first player in franchise history to appear in the NBA All-Star Game. Although the Eastern Conference lost to the West in overtime in Salt Lake City, O’Neal had a strong showing in the 135-132 defeat.</p>
<p id="A5Cwc2">In his first appearance in the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 21, 1993, O’Neal uncharacteristically shot better from the foul line than the field. O’Neal finished with 14 points and seven rebounds. He finished 4-for-9 from the field and 6-for-9 from the stripe.</p>
<p id="5sfZIt">As for the contest itself, it was a good one. The West led most of the way, but a jumper from New York Knicks center Patrick Ewing with eight seconds left tied the game at 119. Tim Hardaway, then of the Golden State Warriors, had a chance to win it for the West but his late off-balanced shot was no good.</p>
<p id="vsqSV2">In overtime, the West again led most of the way. The East had opportunities late to tie or take the lead, but could not deliver.</p>
<div id="lnOTPf"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VAEuIJIv6v4?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="qel0qw">Michael Jordan, of the Chicago Bulls, led all scorers with 30 points for the East in the loss. Mark Price, of the Cleveland Cavaliers, added 19 points for the Eastern Conference.</p>
<p id="6RjL4b">Local fans went home happy as Utah Jazz standouts Karl Malone and John Stockton shared MVP honors in the West victory. Malone led the West with 28 points and 10 rebounds. Stockton added nine points and 15 assists. David Robinson, of the San Antonio Spurs, also had a strong game in the victory with 21 points and 10 rebounds.</p>
<p id="Y82QVX">Since the 1993 exhibition contest, Anfernee Hardaway, Tracy McGrady, Grant Hill, Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Jameer Nelson and Nikola Vucevic had all earned All-Star honors as members of the Magic. O’Neal, however, was the first Orlando player to play in the All-Star Game when he did so on this day three decades ago. </p>
https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2023/2/21/23598321/30-year-orlandoversary-oneal-becomes-first-magic-player-to-appear-in-all-star-gameMike Ferguson2023-02-14T18:30:00-05:002023-02-14T18:30:00-05:00Game 59: Magic vs. Raptors GameThread
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<img alt="Toronto Raptors v Orlando Magic" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XN1HJ37UwvDDGZwQzffKkxfj_ZM=/0x1:6082x4056/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71977038/1448053624.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="kcKCDK">Who: Orlando Magic at Toronto Raptors</p>
<p id="8QDA8t">When: Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.</p>
<p id="rA3on7">TV: Bally Sports Florida</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">GAME 59 TONIGHT<br> RAPTORS<br> Toronto, Ontario <br>⏰7:30 P.M.<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/BallySportsFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BallySportsFL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BallyMagic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BallyMagic</a> (‘Magic Live’ starts at 7 P.M.)<br> Bally Sports App; Bally Sports+<br> <a href="https://twitter.com/969thegame?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@969thegame</a> <br> <a href="https://t.co/j9Hljw5O2X">https://t.co/j9Hljw5O2X</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MagicTogether?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MagicTogether</a> <br><br>What are they wearing? <a href="https://t.co/23rdROTZDD">pic.twitter.com/23rdROTZDD</a></p>— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) <a href="https://twitter.com/Magic_PR/status/1625509040028585984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2023</a>
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https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2023/2/14/23599427/game-59-magic-vs-raptors-gamethreadMike Cali2023-02-14T08:01:00-05:002023-02-14T08:01:00-05:0030-year Orlandoversary: Magic outlast Knicks in first-ever triple-overtime game
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<img alt="Orlando Magic center Shaquille O’Neal (L) has his" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b94QIlSTQTcklB0afJqbpbg4YRo=/0x316:995x979/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71974307/51969827.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo credit should read DAVID MILLS/AFP via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="bhCh8a">For the Orlando Magic, Valentine’s Day has had its quirks over the years. In 1990, Chicago Bulls star Michael Jordan was infamously forced to wear a nameless No. 12 jersey after his came up missing at Orlando Arena.</p>
<p id="dIvlLQ">On this day 30 years ago, the Magic played their first triple-overtime game. Shaquille O’Neal bounced back from a poor offensive start with several key defensive plays down the stretch as the Magic topped the New York Knicks, 102-100.</p>
<p id="kzrXVl">Offensively, the contest was far from a thing of beauty at Orlando Arena on Feb. 14, 1993. The Magic led 58-54 at the end of three quarters, but most of the final period was dominated by the Knicks. New York led by six with 50 seconds left, but Nick Anderson’s 3-pointer with less than nine seconds remaining knotted the score at 79.</p>
<p id="Kbc7lU">For most of the night, O’Neal was outplayed by New York standout center Patrick Ewing. With time ticking away in regulation, however, O’Neal was able to block Ewing’s shot to force overtime.</p>
<p id="045npQ">During regulation, O’Neal went just 3-for-17 from the field, but in the extra periods, he came through at both ends of the floor. O’Neal scored 13 points over the three overtimes and blocked six shots.</p>
<p id="5Dt2En">In the first overtime, the Magic trailed by as many as five, but after Ewing fouled out with 13.7 seconds left, O’Neal came through to tie the game in an uncharacteristic way – at the foul line. The big man cashed in on two clutch free throws to tie the score at 90.</p>
<p id="za76vi">In the second overtime, the Knicks again had a chance to win at the buzzer, but O’Neal was able to swat away John Starks’ jumper to preserve the 98-98 tie. In the third overtime, the teams combined for just six points. The good news for the Magic is that they had four of those points.</p>
<p id="JcQ64i">O’Neal scored all four Orlando points in the third overtime with the last coming with 1:15 remaining. With 36 seconds left, he blocked Herb Williams’ jumper to help preserve the victory. Greg Anthony would get an open look for three that would have won the game, but it was an air-ball. </p>
<p id="m10BD8">O’Neal finished a blocked shot shy of a triple-double, totaling 21 points, 19 rebounds, and nine blocks. Anderson led Orlando with 24 points, seven assists, and four steals while Donald Royal came up big off the Magic bench with 15 points. Scott Skiles added 14 points. Anthony Bowie and Tom Tolbert each finished with 11 in the victory.</p>
<p id="1CjAwc">Ewing had a big night for the Knicks with 34 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks before fouling out. Starks added 26 points, but on just 10-for-36 shooting. Anthony and Anthony Mason each scored 10 in the loss.</p>
<p id="X2AsyZ">For Orlando, the victory not only served as its first triple-overtime game, but it ended the Knicks’ 7-game winning streak. It came on this day three decades ago.</p>
https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/2023/2/14/23594524/30-year-orlandoversary-magic-outlast-knicks-in-first-ever-triple-overtime-gameMike Ferguson