Magic vs. 76ers

Lore & Background

In the Eastern Conference First Round of the 1999 NBA playoffs, the Magic faced off against the 6th–seeded Philadelphia 76ers, a team that featured the league's top scorer Allen Iverson, Matt Geiger, and defensive shot-blocker Theo Ratliff. The Magic lost Game 1 to the 76ers at home, 104–90 at the Orlando Arena, but managed to win Game 2 at home, 79–68 to even the series. However, the Magic lost the next two games on the road, which included a Game 4 loss to the 76ers at the First Union Center, 101–91, thus losing the series in four games.

In Their Own Story

The arena hummed with electricity as the final minute ticked down. Shaquille O'Neal stood at the free-throw line, the weight of the conference on his shoulders. Across the court, Allen Iverson guarded him, eyes locked in focus. The crowd roared, a mix of orange and blue jerseys clashing against red and black. No words were needed; the game was decided by the next shot, the next rebound, the relentless will to win.

Reader's Guide

The Magic finished in second place in the Atlantic Division with a 33–17 record, earning the third seed in the Eastern Conference, and returning to the NBA playoffs after a one-year absence.

Did You Know?

• Darrell Armstrong was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year and also the NBA Most Improved Player of the Year.
• Matt Harpring was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team, while Michael Doleac was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
• The Magic redesigned their home and road uniforms for the season, replacing pinstripes with visible stars.