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| Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images |
It was April Fool's Day in 1994 and for much of the night, the Magic were foolish with the basketball as they committed a season-high 28 turnovers in a road contest with the New Jersey Nets. Still, Orlando found a way to win late, 98-96, thanks to a late dunk by rookie Anfernee Hardaway.
Orlando and New Jersey were tied at 45 at the break, but the Magic were able to open up a 10-point lead heading to the final quarter. The Nets however, fought their way back and drew even at 96 with time ticking away.
The Magic were able to milk the clock and take the final shot. The ball was left in the hands of Hardaway, who drove down the lane and threw down a one-handed dunk with less than two seconds to play to give Orlando the victory.
Although he did have a team-high seven turnovers, Hardaway was stellar for the Magic on the evening. The rookie from Memphis finished with 27 points on 10-for-17 shooting to go with nine rebounds and four assists.
All five Orlando starters scored in double-figures. In addition to Hardaway's big night, backcourt mate Nick Anderson added 19 points, eight rebounds and three steals. Center Shaquille O'Neal finished with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Dennis Scott and Jeff Turner added 13 and 10 points, respectively.
The Magic were able to mitigate their turnover issues by holding the Nets to 39 percent shooting and 2-for-10 from beyond the arc. Orlando also held a 62-41 rebounding edge in the win. Derrick Coleman led New Jersey with 22 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in the loss.
Over his six years in Orlando, Hardaway had a knack for making the big shot down the stretch. One of his first in pinstripes came on this day a quarter century ago.
Mike Ferguson is the founder of Magic Memories. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson.
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