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25-year Orlandoversary: Hardaway’s winner lifts Magic past Rockets on Christmas Day

The first Christmas Day game ever played in Orlando came on this day 25 years ago and it certainly did not disappoint.

In a rematch of the 1995 NBA Finals, the Orlando Magic got a modicum of revenge. Anfernee Hardaway again played the role of hero with a last-second shot to sink the Houston Rockets, 92-90.

After sweeping the Magic in the Finals, Houston returned to Orlando Arena for the first time on Dec. 25, 1995. The Rockets used a big third quarter to take the lead, but in the end, Hardaway sent Orlando fans hope happy on Christmas.