For the 90's Magic fans

[MagicFan4Lyfe]

I was wondering if some of you fans who remember the 90's Magic run are more appreciative of this team because of all the turmoil and issues with this team since Shaq left?

I was watching Game 1 and after I was better able to appreciate the win. As a Magic fan since middle school and now a doctor, I took the Magic teams in the 90's for granted. During the playoff time, I would write off certain teams and expect the Magic to be in the finals or ECF. Now, it feels more special because of all the adversity we've gone through.

I wanted to see if others felt the same way now

[TheGlyde]

In a way, yeah, but I wouldn't call this a 'playoff run' just yet.

What the down years have taught me is supreme caution lol... I always hope, but I also always worry... that mid 90's team, I didn't worry... I thought we would take down the 72 win Bulls...

There are games I worry less though, my mindset is definately changing, but, to me, what the down years have done is made a year like this much sweeter...

We have already won 12 games more than last year, and 1 more game in the playoffs... but the ride isn't over.

[craig01]

I don't think that I ever took them for granted, but I will be appreciative for any playoff success.

[darthcheech2000]

I was much younger then. But I can tell you I never felt more embarrassed then that 45 point a$$ wiping we got in the 95-96 ECF Game 1

I thought we were taking Detroit after game 4 in 2003. Just happened to be the year the league voted in the 7 games in the first round!!!

Trust me, I know what you mean when you say "supreme caution"

hope for the best, expect the worst

That is the life of some sports fans

[Magicfan94]

I am always appreciative of the Mid 90s teams, they were great and fun to watch.

I also recognize that the great teams of the mid 90s hurt us as many of our fans from that era are reluctant to make their way back after being spoiled.

No doubt in my mind a second round in the playoffs would be great, and you'll see the fans making the O'Rena the venue that it once was (and was like on Sunday)

[ansoncarter]

most vivid memory from the 90's is nick anderson freethrows

[AdamTheGreek]

I try to remember the good:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAf4SNihCgA

[ProfX]

Well I think that team had it easier in some ways, there were more dominate, where as there is more parity in the league now. So I can see where I might have taken it for granted on how easy they won.

[lovehoops01]

I remember being amazed even back then that the Magic made the NBA Finals. I knew Shaq would have a big impact when he was drafted, but it all happened so quickly....One year, they get swept in the playoffs; the next year, things go great. A couple years later, Shaq was gone. Over the years, I sometimes have been mad that that team spoiled our fan base so much that they seem to have a hard time even enjoying the seasons anymore.

This year has been sweet for me for a lot of reasons -- the team finished with a better record than I expected. Mostly, though, I just love seeing the players grow, and they really did this season. For me, the journey is part of the enjoyment of the experience, and we are seeing this team grow up before our eyes. They and the coaching staff really have to be commended for that. For me, watching the process makes me feel closer to it. I really hope they can keep the bulk of this team together with just a minimum of important changes.

The fact that the team has had to overcome so much since that '90s team really makes me appreciate the good times because they are not always going to be there. I know you guys think I harp on it too much, but that's why I always am after people to enjoy the good things when they happen.

I get so nervous for them when it comes to important games, but it's as much for them as for me. These guys have worked so hard to get where they are, I would hate to see them be disappointed (and of course, me too, but that's secondary).

[Bensational]

Mostly, though, I just love seeing the players grow, and they really did this season. For me, the journey is part of the enjoyment of the experience, and we are seeing this team grow up before our eyes.

Having Dwight on the team gives me a secret confidence that it'll all be alright. It's like having the Ace up your sleave, or that extra big kid that nobody can keep up with in under 12's sports. I never had that feeling when Shaq was on the team because i was too young and naive to know who or what Shaq would become. It's a great feeling knowing that your team is in good hands.

[The Favero]

I try to remember the good:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAf4SNihCgA

That intro used to send chills down my spine. Still does watching it.

[Edrock]

If anytning I'm MORE appreciative of the runs in the 90's... I'll be honest... I wasn't a fan of the Magic until the original "Big Fella" came in here & galvanized the organization. Made the Magic relevant on a national stage... I was hooked! I was in Europe when I heard about the defection in '96. Ironically it was some people from LA that broke the news to me & it floored me. I thought we'd be okay (I was more of a Penny fan) and rode it all through... Heart & Hustle... Seeing a pic of GHill w/crutches coming off the Magic plane... T-Mac, Francis... I rooted for them all but my appreciation for the Magic teams of the past grew as the team went downhill. Enough time has now passed that it's now truly nostalgic to think of those teams almost 15 years ago. The fact that this team is positioned to replicate that success (and more) makes me even more happy to have witnessed it all. Frankly, if I take a step back and analyze it, is there anything less rational than being this emotionally invested in something as trivial as sports?

[aleZ]

I was wondering if some of you fans who remember the 90's Magic run are more appreciative of this team

Yea, I remember staying up late till the wee hours in the morning to watch playoff games (since I'm in Europe) and getting real mad at the whole Shaq fiasco. After all the stuff this team's been through, it feels great to really be the favorite team for once.

But it's just the beginning...

[MagicFan149]

after everything that has happend including the 21-61 season this season has been beautiful... watching dwight grow up, as well as the team.... the people on and around the team make this special ... everybody has great charecter and it makes it easy to root for the magic... and yes it is just the beginning

[MagicFan4Lyfe]

after everything that has happend including the 21-61 season this season has been beautiful... watching dwight grow up, as well as the team.... the people on and around the team make this special ... everybody has great charecter and it makes it easy to root for the magic... and yes it is just the beginning

Well, that is what makes this team special. Back in the 90's, everything came so easy- the #1 picks in 92 and 93, Horace Grant signing, etc. etc. I think with the issues this team has gone through esp. the Tmac bolting, Grant Hill saga, revolving door of coaches, I am really valueing this playoff run. And yes, it is going to be a playoff run in 2008!

[SevereMagic]

-= original quote snipped =-



That intro used to send chills down my spine. Still does watching it.

WOW - great memories, until they showed B Hill... LOL!

GO MAGIC!