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The Orlando Magic and the Washington Wizards are two NBA teams that have a long-standing rivalry. Both teams have a rich history in the league and have produced some of the greatest players in basketball history.
01 APRIL 2023
TIME: 07:00 PM ET
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the rivalry between the Orlando Magic and the Washington Wizards.
History of the Rivalry
The Orlando Magic and the Washington Wizards have been playing against each other since the 1989-1990 season. The rivalry began to take shape in the late 1990s when both teams were in the Eastern Conference and were competing for playoff spots. During this time, the Magic were led by superstar center Shaquille O’Neal and shooting guard Penny Hardaway, while the Wizards had Juwan Howard and Rod Strickland leading the charge.
The Magic and the Wizards met in the playoffs in 1996, and the Magic won the series 3-1. This victory set the stage for a fierce rivalry between the two teams, with both sides determined to prove their dominance over the other.
In recent years, the rivalry has cooled down somewhat, but it still exists, with both teams competing in the Eastern Conference. While the Magic have struggled in recent years, the Wizards have been more successful, making the playoffs several times.
Team Comparison
When comparing the Orlando Magic and the Washington Wizards, it’s important to look at their overall records, as well as their individual strengths and weaknesses.
The Orlando Magic have a record of 1,343-1,507, with a winning percentage of .471. They have made it to the NBA Finals twice, in 1995 and 2009, but have yet to win a championship. The Magic have had some great players in their history, including Shaquille O’Neal, Penny Hardaway, Tracy McGrady, and Dwight Howard.
The Washington Wizards have a record of 2,301-2,654, with a winning percentage of .464. They have made it to the NBA Finals four times, but have only won one championship, in 1978. The Wizards have also had some great players in their history, including Wes Unseld, Elvin Hayes, Gilbert Arenas, and John Wall.
When comparing the two teams’ current rosters, the Wizards have the edge. They have several All-Star caliber players, including Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook, who can dominate on both ends of the court. The Magic, on the other hand, are in a rebuilding phase and are still looking for their next superstar player.
