The 1994-95 Orlando Magic season was a landmark year for the franchise, marking their rise as a powerhouse in the NBA. Coached by Brian Hill, the Magic finished the regular season with an impressive 57-25 record, clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference. The team was led by the dynamic duo of Shaquille O’Neal, who averaged 29.3 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, and Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, who contributed 20.9 points and 7.2 assists per game.
In the playoffs, the Magic demonstrated their potential by defeating the Boston Celtics in the first round and the Chicago Bulls, who were without Michael Jordan for most of the season, in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Magic then faced a tough series against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, ultimately prevailing in seven games to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history.
However, the Magic’s dream season ended abruptly in the NBA Finals, where they faced the Houston Rockets. Despite their strong regular season performance, the Magic were swept by the defending champions in four games. The Rockets’ experience and clutch performance, led by Hakeem Olajuwon, proved too much for the young Orlando team. Despite the disappointing finish, the 1994-95 season established the Magic as a formidable force in the league and set the foundation for future success.
- Regular Season Record: 57-25
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 3-1, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-2, Eastern Conference Finals: 4-3, NBA Finals: 0-4
Orlando Magic Roster and Stats for 1994-95 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Shaquille O'Neal | 79 | 29.3 | 11.4 | 2.7 | 0.9 | 2.4 | 0.0 | 21 | 25.7 | 11.9 | 3.3 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 0.0 |
| Anfernee Hardaway | 77 | 20.9 | 4.4 | 7.2 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 34.9 | 21 | 19.6 | 3.8 | 7.7 | 1.9 | 0.7 | 40.4 |
| Nick Anderson | 76 | 15.8 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 41.5 | 21 | 14.2 | 4.8 | 3.1 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 38.3 |
| Dennis Scott | 62 | 12.9 | 2.4 | 2.1 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 42.6 | 21 | 14.7 | 3.0 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 37.1 |
| Horace Grant | 74 | 12.8 | 9.7 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 0.0 | 21 | 13.7 | 10.4 | 1.9 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 0.0 |
| Donald Royal | 70 | 9.1 | 4.0 | 2.8 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 18 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Brian Shaw | 78 | 6.4 | 3.1 | 5.2 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 26.1 | 21 | 6.6 | 3.0 | 3.1 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 38.6 |
| Anthony Bowie | 77 | 5.5 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 30.0 | 17 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 71.4 |
| Jeff Turner | 49 | 4.1 | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 36.0 | 18 | 2.7 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 50.0 |
| Geert Hammink | 1 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Anthony Avent | 71 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 7 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Darrell Armstrong | 3 | 3.3 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 33.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Brooks Thompson | 38 | 3.1 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 31.0 | 3 | 4.0 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 75.0 |
| Tree Rollins | 51 | 1.2 | 1.9 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 14 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 |
| Keith Tower | 3 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
Orlando Magic in the 1995 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Boston Celtics
In the first round of the 1995 NBA Playoffs, the Orlando Magic showcased their rising prowess by defeating the Boston Celtics in a tightly contested four-game series, 3-1. Anchored by the dynamic duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway, the Magic displayed their offensive strength and teamwork, setting the tone for their deep playoff run that year. This victory marked a significant step in Orlando's journey to becoming Eastern Conference champions.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 28, 1995 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 124-77 | |
| Apr 30, 1995 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 99-92 | |
| May 03, 1995 | @ Boston Celtics | W 82-77 | |
| May 05, 1995 | @ Boston Celtics | W 95-92 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Chicago Bulls
In the 1995 NBA Playoffs, the Orlando Magic faced the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, marking a pivotal series that showcased the emerging talent of Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway. Despite Michael Jordan's return to the Bulls late in the season, the Magic capitalized on their home-court advantage and youthful energy, ultimately winning the series 4-2. This victory not only propelled Orlando to their first Conference Finals appearance but also signaled a shift in the NBA landscape, with the Magic establishing themselves as formidable contenders in the mid-90s.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 07, 1995 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 94-91 | |
| May 10, 1995 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 104-94 | |
| May 12, 1995 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 110-101 | |
| May 14, 1995 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 106-95 | |
| May 16, 1995 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 103-95 | |
| May 18, 1995 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 108-102 |
1995 Conference Championship vs. Indiana Pacers
In the 1995 NBA Playoffs, the Orlando Magic reached the Eastern Conference Finals, showcasing their burgeoning talent led by Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway. They faced the Indiana Pacers in a highly competitive series, ultimately triumphing in a thrilling seven-game showdown. This victory propelled the Magic to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance, marking a significant milestone for the young franchise.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 23, 1995 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 105-101 | |
| May 25, 1995 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 119-114 | |
| May 27, 1995 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 105-100 | |
| May 29, 1995 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 94-93 | |
| May 31, 1995 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 108-106 | |
| Jun 02, 1995 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 123-96 | |
| Jun 04, 1995 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 105-81 |
1995 NBA Finals vs. Houston Rockets
In the 1995 NBA Finals, the Orlando Magic, led by young stars Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway, made their first-ever appearance on the grand stage, showcasing their potential as an emerging force in the league. Despite their talent and promise, they were swept in four games by a seasoned Houston Rockets team, anchored by Hakeem Olajuwon, highlighting the gap in experience and execution under pressure. The series underscored the Magic's bright future but also the immediate need for growth and maturity to compete at the highest level.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 07, 1995 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 120-118 | |
| Jun 09, 1995 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 117-106 | |
| Jun 11, 1995 | @ Houston Rockets | L 106-103 | |
| Jun 14, 1995 | @ Houston Rockets | L 113-101 |
Orlando Magic 1994-95 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1994-95 season for the Orlando Magic.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 04, 1994 | @ Washington Bullets | L 110-108 | |
| Nov 05, 1994 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 122-107 | |
| Nov 09, 1994 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 130-128 | |
| Nov 10, 1994 | @ New York Knicks | L 101-99 | |
| Nov 12, 1994 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 116-103 | |
| Nov 15, 1994 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 122-102 | |
| Nov 18, 1994 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 113-103 | |
| Nov 21, 1994 | vs. Miami Heat | W 124-89 | |
| Nov 23, 1994 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 117-94 | |
| Nov 25, 1994 | @ Boston Celtics | W 124-118 | |
| Nov 26, 1994 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 113-105 | |
| Nov 30, 1994 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 114-107 | |
| Dec 02, 1994 | vs. New York Knicks | W 125-100 | |
| Dec 03, 1994 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 107-105 | |
| Dec 06, 1994 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | W 114-97 | |
| Dec 07, 1994 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 90-75 | |
| Dec 09, 1994 | @ Miami Heat | W 110-96 | |
| Dec 10, 1994 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 109-98 | |
| Dec 12, 1994 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 128-101 | |
| Dec 14, 1994 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 120-96 | |
| Dec 16, 1994 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 131-128 | |
| Dec 17, 1994 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 124-84 | |
| Dec 20, 1994 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | W 108-104 | |
| Dec 21, 1994 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 102-91 | |
| Dec 23, 1994 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 123-91 | |
| Dec 26, 1994 | @ Washington Bullets | W 128-121 | |
| Dec 27, 1994 | vs. Miami Heat | W 103-83 | |
| Dec 29, 1994 | @ Charlotte Hornets | L 125-123 | |
| Dec 30, 1994 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 116-105 | |
| Jan 04, 1995 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 113-110 | |
| Jan 06, 1995 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 121-99 | |
| Jan 08, 1995 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 108-88 | |
| Jan 10, 1995 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 109-77 | |
| Jan 11, 1995 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 124-107 | |
| Jan 13, 1995 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 101-96 | |
| Jan 14, 1995 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 91-70 | |
| Jan 17, 1995 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 109-98 | |
| Jan 18, 1995 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 108-97 | |
| Jan 20, 1995 | @ Denver Nuggets | W 112-108 | |
| Jan 22, 1995 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 111-110 | |
| Jan 24, 1995 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 110-97 | |
| Jan 26, 1995 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 102-99 | |
| Jan 28, 1995 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 107-103 | |
| Feb 02, 1995 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | L 106-103 | |
| Feb 03, 1995 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 118-106 | |
| Feb 05, 1995 | vs. New York Knicks | W 103-100 | |
| Feb 08, 1995 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 110-92 | |
| Feb 14, 1995 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 111-92 | |
| Feb 15, 1995 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 100-99 | |
| Feb 17, 1995 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 129-83 | |
| Feb 19, 1995 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | L 100-95 | |
| Feb 20, 1995 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 152-104 | |
| Feb 23, 1995 | @ Boston Celtics | L 119-117 | |
| Feb 24, 1995 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 129-103 | |
| Feb 26, 1995 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 105-103 | |
| Feb 28, 1995 | vs. New York Knicks | W 118-106 | |
| Mar 02, 1995 | @ Houston Rockets | W 107-96 | |
| Mar 03, 1995 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 112-111 | |
| Mar 05, 1995 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 113-111 | |
| Mar 08, 1995 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 114-110 | |
| Mar 10, 1995 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 97-85 | |
| Mar 12, 1995 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 110-104 | |
| Mar 14, 1995 | vs. Utah Jazz | L 107-95 | |
| Mar 15, 1995 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 108-99 | |
| Mar 17, 1995 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 107-97 | |
| Mar 21, 1995 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 126-102 | |
| Mar 23, 1995 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 105-93 | |
| Mar 24, 1995 | @ Chicago Bulls | W 106-99 | |
| Mar 26, 1995 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 132-98 | |
| Mar 28, 1995 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 117-106 | |
| Mar 31, 1995 | @ Utah Jazz | W 101-98 | |
| Apr 02, 1995 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 119-112 | |
| Apr 05, 1995 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 128-125 | |
| Apr 07, 1995 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 104-94 | |
| Apr 08, 1995 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | L 109-99 | |
| Apr 11, 1995 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 107-90 | |
| Apr 13, 1995 | @ Boston Celtics | L 119-114 | |
| Apr 15, 1995 | @ Miami Heat | L 123-117 | |
| Apr 17, 1995 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 111-100 | |
| Apr 19, 1995 | @ Washington Bullets | L 123-117 | |
| Apr 21, 1995 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 110-86 | |
| Apr 23, 1995 | @ New York Knicks | L 113-99 |
