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| Tony Ranze/AFP/Getty Images |
The Magic had already clinched a playoff spot and were locked into the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference as they hosted the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 20, 1994 at the Orlando Arena. Orlando didn't seem to have much to play for in the late-season contest, but second-year center Shaquille O'Neal wasn't convinced.
In a 121-101 victory for the Magic, O'Neal scored a then franchise-record 53 points. The center finished the evening by making 22 of 31 shots and nine of 13 free throws. He also added 18 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and two steals.
All five Orlando starters scored in double-figures. Anfernee Hardaway added 16 points and nine assists while Nick Anderson contributed 15 points in the win. As a team, Orlando shot 53 percent from the floor. Isaiah Rider scored 28 points to lead Minnesota in the loss.
O'Neal scored 34 points in the first half of a contest that was never really in doubt. The Magic led by 18 points after the first quarter and by 29 entering the final period before cruising to victory.
O'Neal's 53 points was an NBA season-high at the time and also set a new Magic record. That mark would last 10 years before Tracy McGrady scored 62 points in a win over the Washington Wizards in 2004. For O'Neal, he would not be able to best the mark until nearly six years later when scored 61 points as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers in a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
O'Neal's departure after the 1995-96 season left Orlando fans with bitter sentiments toward the former No. 1 overall pick, but years later, few can question his greatness. His best scoring game as a member of the Magic 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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