On this day in 1996, the visiting Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 100-98, snapping Orlando’s NBA record 51-game home winning streak against Eastern Conference opponents, dating back to April 1994. Despite the loss, the 1995-96 season marked the best record (60-22) for the Magic in franchise history. In the regular season, Magic center Shaquille O’Neal led the team with averages of 26.6 points and 11 rebounds. O’Neal also played with star teammates Penny Hardaway and Horace Grant. Together they helped guide the Magic to their first-ever appearance in the NBA Finals. Unfortunately for the Orlando Magic, they could not overcome Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls and lost 4-0 in the 1996 NBA Finals. O’Neal led the team in playoff scoring (25.8 points, Grant in rebounds (10.4), and Hardaway in assists (6).
Today in Sports History: April 4
ORLANDO, FL - 1994: Shaquille O'Neal #32 of the Orlando Magic, fourth from left, stands with teammates for the national Anthem prior to playing an NBA game at the TD Waterhouse Centre circa 1994 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)