20-Year Orlandoversary: Armstrong Steals Victory from Philadelphia

Getty Images

It's the chant the crowd says most and according to cliche, it's what wins championships. Of course, the reference is to defense.

Over three decades in the NBA, the Orlando Magic have certainly had their fair share of outstanding defensive performances. Former superstar Dwight Howard won three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards for Orlando.

One of the greatest defensive moments in franchise history came on this day 20 years ago as one of the smaller players ever to wear a Magic uniform came up big with the game on the line. In a contest dominated by defense, Darrell Armstrong came up with a steal and layup as time expired in a 74-73 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

The March 15, 1999 contest during the lockout-shortened 1998-99 season was hardly a thing of beauty, but in a match-up of two winning teams, it looked like the 76ers were about to leave the Orlando Arena with a victory. Philadelphia held a 73-72 lead late as Orlando went to center Ike Austin with the contest on the line.

Austin was blocked by Philadelphia's Theo Ratliff with six seconds to play and George Lynch was able to corral his career-high 20th rebound before getting fouled with 3.3 seconds to play. Orlando had a foul to give and the 76ers were forced to inbound after a timeout.

But for Lynch's career rebounding night, it would be a gaffe that resulted in the night's lasting memory. As Lynch was inbounding for Philadelphia, he forced a pass into traffic, which was stolen by Armstrong. Armstrong was able to intercept the pass in stride and beat defenders to the rim before laying it in at the horn in what would be one of the more improbable finishes in Orlando history.

Armstrong finished the night with 14 points, six assists and four steals. Nick Anderson paced Orlando with 15 points in the win. For the game's two stars -- Orlando's Anfernee Hardaway and Philadelphia's Allen Iverson -- it was a quiet night as the two combined for just 25 points on a combined 9-for-36 shooting.

Though low-scoring, the Magic were able to overcome deficits of 13 in the first half and 11 midway through the third quarter to win. Orlando opened the fourth quarter on a 5-0 run to go ahead 59-57 on what would be its only lead of the second half until the final horn sounded.

The Magic shot a then franchise-low 28.6 percent and were outrebounded 58-48, but forced 23 Philadelphia turnovers and held Iverson to 5-for-21 from the field. Matt Geiger scored 18 points to lead the 76ers while Ratliff finished with 17 points, nine rebounds and five blocks in the loss.

A fan favorite over his nine seasons in Orlando, Armstrong was known for his defense, leadership, heart and his hustle. Perhaps his greatest memory in a Magic uniform came on this day two decades ago.

Mike Ferguson is the founder of Magic Memories. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson.