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| Bill Frakes /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images |
In their fifth season as a franchise, the Magic were coming off a season in which they narrowly missed the postseason. Orlando finished 41-41 during the 1992-93 campaign and ultimately lost the tiebreaker for the final playoff spot to the Indiana Pacers.
As Orlando was set to host the Detroit Pistons on April 8, 1994, there was a feeling in the air that history was on the verge of being made. The Pistons were just 20-52 and the Magic needed only a victory to cement their spot in the NBA Playoffs for the first time. When all was said and done, Orlando emerged victorious 117-103 to improve to 44-29 for the season and cement a spot in the postseason.
From the start, there was little doubt that it would be Orlando's night. The Magic led by 15 after one quarter, 19 at the break and by 20 heading to the final period.
Shaquille O'Neal had a monster night to pace the Magic with 40 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. O'Neal uncharacteristically knocked down all 12 free throw attempts. Rookie guard Anfernee Hardaway narrowly missed a triple-double, adding 26 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and two steals.
Nick Anderson finished with 18 points and five steals in the victory while Jeff Turner chipped in with 10 points. Terry Mills had a huge night for the Pistons in a losing effort, scoring 28 points and grabbing 16 boards to lead six players in double-figures. Lindsey Hunter added 17 points, seven assists and four steals off the Detroit bench.
The 1993-94 season would begin a streak of four straight playoff appearances, which included a trip to the NBA Finals and another to the Eastern Conference Finals. Now in their 30th season as a franchise, Orlando has made the playoffs 14 times and that number will hit 15 this weekend. Their first-ever trip however, was clinched on this day 25 years ago.
Mike Ferguson is the founder of Magic Memories. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson.
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