Orlando Magic · Franchise era 2 of 7
Shaq and Penny: the Orlando Magic story
Franchise era
1992–93—1995–96
Shaq and Penny
Orlando Magic
The story in one sentence
O'Neal and Hardaway made Orlando an instant phenomenon and reached the 1995 Finals before the partnership ended abruptly.
01
From lottery to Finals in three years
02
Shaquille O'Neal, Penny Hardaway and Horace Grant gave the era its recognizable core.
03
Its ending created the conditions for heart and hustle.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1992–93
What came before
The Magic endured three expansion seasons while assembling the guards and shooters who would complement a transformative draft pick.
1995
Eastern Conference Finals: Orlando Magic vs Indiana Pacers
1995
NBA Finals: Orlando Magic vs Houston Rockets
1996
Eastern Conference Finals: Orlando Magic vs Chicago Bulls
After 1995–96
What came next
Hardaway fought injuries, and a starless 1999–2000 team overachieved while clearing space for a major summer.
The core