The 1995-96 Orlando Magic season marked the franchise’s seventh in the NBA and was a pivotal year as the team aimed to build on the previous season’s success, where they reached the NBA Finals. Under the guidance of head coach Brian Hill, the Magic finished the regular season with an impressive record of 60-22, securing the Atlantic Division title for the second consecutive year. This performance also earned them the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Key players included Shaquille O’Neal, who averaged 26.6 points and 11 rebounds per game, and Penny Hardaway, who contributed significantly with 21.7 points and 7.1 assists per game. The roster was further bolstered by the presence of Horace Grant, Nick Anderson, and Dennis Scott, each playing critical roles in both scoring and defense. The Magic’s offensive prowess was evident as they led the league in scoring with 110.9 points per game.
In the playoffs, the Magic advanced past the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks in the first two rounds, setting up a highly anticipated Eastern Conference Finals rematch with the Chicago Bulls. However, the Magic were swept 4-0 by a dominant Bulls team, led by Michael Jordan, who went on to win the NBA Championship. The season, despite its abrupt end, solidified the Magic’s status as a formidable team in the NBA during the mid-1990s.
- Regular Season Record: 60-22
- Playoff Result: Eastern Conference First Round: 3-0, Eastern Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Eastern Conference Finals: 0-4
Orlando Magic Roster and Stats for 1995-96 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Shaquille O'Neal | 54 | 26.6 | 11.0 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 2.1 | 50.0 | 12 | 25.8 | 10.0 | 4.6 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 0.0 |
| Anfernee Hardaway | 82 | 21.7 | 4.3 | 7.1 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 31.4 | 12 | 23.3 | 4.7 | 6.0 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 36.4 |
| Dennis Scott | 82 | 17.5 | 3.8 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 42.5 | 12 | 11.3 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 37.7 |
| Nick Anderson | 77 | 14.7 | 5.4 | 3.6 | 1.6 | 0.6 | 39.1 | 11 | 14.2 | 5.0 | 1.9 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 28.6 |
| Horace Grant | 63 | 13.4 | 9.2 | 2.7 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 16.7 | 9 | 15.0 | 10.4 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.0 |
| Brian Shaw | 75 | 6.6 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 28.5 | 10 | 4.7 | 2.1 | 4.6 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 36.4 |
| Donald Royal | 64 | 5.3 | 2.4 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 7 | 3.6 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Joe Wolf | 63 | 4.6 | 2.9 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 11 | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 33.3 |
| Brooks Thompson | 33 | 4.2 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 39.1 | 5 | 5.2 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 16.7 |
| Anthony Bowie | 74 | 4.2 | 1.7 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 38.7 | 12 | 2.5 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.0 |
| Jeff Turner | 13 | 3.6 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 33.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Anthony Bonner | 4 | 3.3 | 4.8 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Darrell Armstrong | 13 | 3.2 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 50.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Jon Koncak | 67 | 3.0 | 4.1 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 33.4 | 12 | 0.9 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 |
| David Vaughn | 33 | 1.9 | 2.4 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Geert Hammink | 3 | 1.3 | 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 1996 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. Detroit Pistons
In the first round of the 1996 NBA Playoffs, the Orlando Magic faced off against the Detroit Pistons. The Magic, led by Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway, showcased their dominant offensive prowess, sweeping the series 3-0. Orlando's dynamic duo proved too powerful for the Pistons, paving the way for the Magic's advancement to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 26, 1996 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 112-92 | |
| Apr 28, 1996 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 92-77 | |
| Apr 30, 1996 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 101-98 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Atlanta Hawks
In the 1996 NBA Playoffs, the Orlando Magic faced the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. Despite a strong regular season, the Magic were overpowered by Michael Jordan and the Bulls, resulting in a swift series sweep, 4-0. This series highlighted the Bulls' dominance and foreshadowed their championship run, while exposing the gap the Magic needed to bridge to compete at the highest level.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 08, 1996 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 117-105 | |
| May 10, 1996 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 120-94 | |
| May 12, 1996 | @ Atlanta Hawks | W 103-96 | |
| May 13, 1996 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 104-99 | |
| May 15, 1996 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 96-88 |
1996 Conference Championship vs. Chicago Bulls
In the 1996 NBA Playoffs, the Orlando Magic reached the Eastern Conference Finals, aiming to return to the NBA Finals after their 1995 run. However, they faced the Chicago Bulls, who were on a historic tear with Michael Jordan back in full form. The Magic were swept in four games, as the Bulls, led by Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman, proved too dominant, underscoring the gap between the two teams during that era.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 1996 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 121-83 | |
| May 21, 1996 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 93-88 | |
| May 25, 1996 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 86-67 | |
| May 27, 1996 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 106-101 |
Orlando Magic 1995-96 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 1995-96 season for the Orlando Magic.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 03, 1995 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 99-88 | |
| Nov 04, 1995 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 124-91 | |
| Nov 06, 1995 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 105-95 | |
| Nov 08, 1995 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 130-122 | |
| Nov 10, 1995 | @ Boston Celtics | W 110-94 | |
| Nov 11, 1995 | vs. Miami Heat | W 94-93 | |
| Nov 14, 1995 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 94-88 | |
| Nov 16, 1995 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 89-80 | |
| Nov 18, 1995 | @ Miami Heat | L 93-90 | |
| Nov 20, 1995 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 101-95 | |
| Nov 22, 1995 | vs. Vancouver Grizzlies | W 95-93 | |
| Nov 24, 1995 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 109-98 | |
| Nov 25, 1995 | @ Washington Bullets | W 114-112 | |
| Nov 27, 1995 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 96-95 | |
| Nov 30, 1995 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 110-96 | |
| Dec 02, 1995 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 109-106 | |
| Dec 03, 1995 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 93-82 | |
| Dec 05, 1995 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 114-105 | |
| Dec 06, 1995 | @ Golden State Warriors | W 109-107 | |
| Dec 08, 1995 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 105-95 | |
| Dec 12, 1995 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 101-97 | |
| Dec 13, 1995 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 112-103 | |
| Dec 15, 1995 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 111-99 | |
| Dec 17, 1995 | @ Toronto Raptors | L 110-93 | |
| Dec 20, 1995 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 107-100 | |
| Dec 22, 1995 | vs. New York Knicks | W 111-90 | |
| Dec 23, 1995 | @ Detroit Pistons | W 94-79 | |
| Dec 25, 1995 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 92-90 | |
| Dec 29, 1995 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 122-98 | |
| Jan 03, 1996 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 121-110 | |
| Jan 05, 1996 | vs. Seattle SuperSonics | W 115-93 | |
| Jan 06, 1996 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 105-94 | |
| Jan 09, 1996 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 92-84 | |
| Jan 12, 1996 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 93-88 | |
| Jan 13, 1996 | @ San Antonio Spurs | L 106-105 | |
| Jan 15, 1996 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 119-104 | |
| Jan 17, 1996 | @ Phoenix Suns | W 113-95 | |
| Jan 19, 1996 | @ Utah Jazz | L 111-99 | |
| Jan 21, 1996 | @ Houston Rockets | W 97-96 | |
| Jan 23, 1996 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 105-90 | |
| Jan 26, 1996 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 96-84 | |
| Jan 27, 1996 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 102-79 | |
| Jan 30, 1996 | vs. Boston Celtics | W 104-99 | |
| Feb 01, 1996 | @ New York Knicks | L 110-102 | |
| Feb 02, 1996 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 108-95 | |
| Feb 04, 1996 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 122-109 | |
| Feb 06, 1996 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 112-102 | |
| Feb 07, 1996 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 97-83 | |
| Feb 13, 1996 | vs. Denver Nuggets | W 121-93 | |
| Feb 16, 1996 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 121-91 | |
| Feb 17, 1996 | @ Miami Heat | W 95-93 | |
| Feb 20, 1996 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 123-104 | |
| Feb 21, 1996 | @ Indiana Pacers | W 99-97 | |
| Feb 23, 1996 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | W 115-102 | |
| Feb 25, 1996 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 111-91 | |
| Feb 28, 1996 | vs. Miami Heat | W 116-112 | |
| Feb 29, 1996 | @ New Jersey Nets | W 114-98 | |
| Mar 02, 1996 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 115-89 | |
| Mar 04, 1996 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 110-97 | |
| Mar 05, 1996 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 123-97 | |
| Mar 08, 1996 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | W 117-112 | |
| Mar 10, 1996 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 122-106 | |
| Mar 12, 1996 | @ Denver Nuggets | L 110-93 | |
| Mar 13, 1996 | @ Seattle SuperSonics | L 100-99 | |
| Mar 15, 1996 | @ Vancouver Grizzlies | W 92-87 | |
| Mar 17, 1996 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 98-97 | |
| Mar 19, 1996 | vs. Detroit Pistons | W 113-91 | |
| Mar 20, 1996 | @ Boston Celtics | W 112-90 | |
| Mar 22, 1996 | @ Washington Bullets | W 111-108 | |
| Mar 26, 1996 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 113-91 | |
| Mar 29, 1996 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 126-86 | |
| Mar 31, 1996 | vs. New York Knicks | W 98-79 | |
| Apr 03, 1996 | @ New York Knicks | W 98-85 | |
| Apr 04, 1996 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 100-98 | |
| Apr 07, 1996 | vs. Chicago Bulls | L 90-86 | |
| Apr 10, 1996 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | W 116-104 | |
| Apr 12, 1996 | vs. Indiana Pacers | L 111-101 | |
| Apr 14, 1996 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 114-101 | |
| Apr 16, 1996 | vs. Washington Bullets | W 113-95 | |
| Apr 18, 1996 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 119-104 | |
| Apr 19, 1996 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 112-92 | |
| Apr 21, 1996 | @ Charlotte Hornets | W 103-100 |
