Magic vs. Nets

Lore & Background

The franchise was established in 1989 as an expansion franchise. Notable NBA stars such as Shaquille O'Neal, Penny Hardaway, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, and Dwight Howard have played for the club throughout its history.

In Their Own Story

The arena hummed with a different kind of electricity that night. It wasn't the usual conference battle; it was a reunion of sorts. Dwight Howard stood at the free-throw line, the Brooklyn Nets jersey tight on his shoulders, staring out at the Orlando crowd. The silence from the home fans was heavy, a mix of nostalgia and betrayal. As he sank the shot, the roar that followed wasn't entirely hostile—it was the sound of history echoing through the rafters, reminding everyone how quickly the tides of the NBA could turn.

Reader's Guide

As of today, the franchise has played in the NBA playoffs 19 times in 37 seasons, and twice went to the NBA Finals, in 1995 and 2009, losing to the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers, respectively.

Did You Know?

• The name 'Magic' alludes to the area's biggest tourist attraction Walt Disney World, along with its Magic Kingdom.
• The Magic's first game was an exhibition win against the then-reigning champion Detroit Pistons on October 13, 1989.
• On December 30, 1990, Scott Skiles set the NBA single-game assists record with 30 assists against the Denver Nuggets.
• The Magic won the first pick in the NBA draft lottery in both 1992 and 1993.