Fansided

5 greatest moments in Tracy McGrady’s Hall of Fame career

By Philip Rossman-Reich

LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 15: Tracy McGrady #1 of the Eastern Conference All-Stars dunks against Kevin Garnett #21 of the Western Conference All-Stars during the 2004 All-Star Game on February 15, 2004 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 15: Tracy McGrady #1 of the Eastern Conference All-Stars dunks against Kevin Garnett #21 of the Western Conference All-Stars during the 2004 All-Star Game on February 15, 2004 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Duel with LeBron James

Tracy McGrady had some great duels with NBA legends. He and Kobe Bryant went back and forth on several occasions. He and Paul Pierce and Vince Carter had their scoring battles too. Tracy McGrady got to play against Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan (Washington Wizards version), Dirk Nowitzki and plenty more.

But his biggest scoring duel came from a surprising place — rookie LeBron James.

On Christmas Day 2003, the Magic were struggling to get themselves right after an early season losing streak while the Cleveland Cavaliers were still figuring out just how good this LeBron James guy could be. The two superstars came to a head on national television. And even though these two teams were struggling, they put on a show for the audience.

McGrady scored 41 points, dished out 11 assists and grabbed eight rebounds in a 113-101 overtime win over the Cavaliers. James had 34 points.

It was not the efficient James performance NBA fans are used to these days, but it was a sign of what James would become. He and McGrady went turn for turn. McGrady was clearly the veteran and the one who would take over. Late in the game, McGrady took control and put the rookie in his place to deliver the Magic a win.

It was the kind of scoring performance that brought the best out of McGrady. It was the stage and moment that would too. McGrady always seemed to up his game for big moments — whether it was the perceived slight, scoring battle or Playoff game. With the Magic’s season in 2004 quickly going off the rails, this was a moment McGrady needed.

Next: Every NBA team's Mount Rushmore

And on a big stage, he delivered a masterful individual performance. Just as he always seemed to do.

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