Down 2-0, the Orlando Magic have their work cut out for themselves if they hope to capture the NBA championship against the Los Angeles Lakers. The series shifts to Orlando Tuesday and Thursday. With that in mind, here are some random trivia bits about the Magic:
- The Magic joined the NBA in 1989.
- A contest in the Orlando Sentinel generated 4,296 entries to suggest names for the new franchise, which were narrowed to four choices: “Heat,” “Tropics,” “Juice” and “Magic.” A committee ultimately chose Magic.
- The first owners of the Magic were William duPont III, James and Robert Hewitt, and Pat Williams.
- Matt Guokas was the first head coach of the Magic.
- Nick Anderson was the team’s very first draft pick.
- The Magic’s first game occurred Nov. 4, 1989, at the Orlando Arena, which was nicknamed the O-Rena. The New Jersey Nets won the game 111-106.
- The Magic’s first victory came on Nov. 6, 1989, against the New York Knicks, 118-110.
- The DeVos family purchased the Magic on Sept, 19, 1991 for $85 million.
- The Magic have retired the No. 6 in honor of the “sixth man” – the fans. The number was briefly unretired during the 2001-2002 season when Patrick Ewing joined the team.
- In a Dec. 30, 1990 game against the Denver Nuggets, Scott Skiles recorded 30 assists, setting both a Magic and NBA record for most assists in one game.
Dan The Man Trivia 