Fansided

Every NBA team’s greatest playoff moment

By Cody Williams

CHICAGO - JUNE 7: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls matches up against Karl Malone #32 of the Utah Jazz in Game Three of the 1998 NBA Finals at the United Center on June 5, 1998 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls won 96-54. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO - JUNE 7: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls matches up against Karl Malone #32 of the Utah Jazz in Game Three of the 1998 NBA Finals at the United Center on June 5, 1998 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls won 96-54. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1998 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Orlando Magic: Nick Anderson makes MJ un-clutch (1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 1)

The 1995 NBA Playoffs and Orlando Magic guard Nick Anderson usually don’t bring about the happiest of memories for fans. Orlando, led by Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway, made it to the NBA Finals that year. However, in Game 1 against the Houston Rockets, Anderson collapsed in the worst of ways. For the season, Anderson shot 70.4 percent from the charity stripe. Yet with the Magic up by three points, he missed four consecutive free throws that could’ve sealed the game. Instead, the Rockets forced overtime, where they won to set the tone for an eventual sweep.

Just a few weeks prior, though, it was Anderson’s heroics in another Game 1 that provided the greatest Magic playoff moment in their history. Facing the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, a post-baseball Michael Jordan was on the floor. And with the Bulls trailing by one point, all eyes were on the lookout for MJ to announce his presence back in the NBA with another game-winner to add to his resume.

Jordan got the ball on the inbound pass and Anderson almost came up with a steal immediately. The Bulls legend spun out of trouble, though, and dribbled up the floor. Anderson, however, didn’t give up on the play and picked the pocket of the unsuspecting Jordan from behind for the steal. That steal then set up a fast-break to seal the win for the Magic. They would then go on to win the series after that tone-setting performance and iconic moment. If only the postseason could’ve ended on that same type of note for Anderson.

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