30 for 30: This Magic Moment (Review)

Reviewed By Justin D Williams

In the mid-1990s, Orlando was the epicenter of excitement in the NBA. The young franchise, led by mega-stars Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway, beat the mighty Bulls en route to the 1995 NBA Finals. They lost that year but it was clear this team from Orlando was a dynasty in the making. But the Magic’s moment on top was never fully realize.

30 for 30: This Magic Moment was a story I was personally waiting for. It's the story of the most popular teams of 90's basketball the Orlando Magics. Just like previous 30 for 30 entries this gives full light on the true story of the team. The team focuses on two main figures Shaquille O'Neal and Penny Hardaway. One thing I really enjoy about the documentary is how they showed the origins of each player. We follow the rise of Shaq from his college days to when he was picked by the Magics. On the parallel side we see the rise of Penny and how was also chosen by the Magics. Each man had their own path and journey to get to the NBA. However both men had the same goal in mine and that was winning the NBA Championship. While the film first half is heavily focus on Shaq and his influence on Orlando and his career as a hall. It was great to see that Shaq himself didn't shy away from his faults. Shaq admitted that his ego and wanting to be in the spotlight played a hand in the fall of the Magics. His insecurity of when he was injured and how Penny's rise was making him envious. Don't get me wrong the film is not all about Shaq and Penny but it shows how much of an impact these two had on the team. The film also focuses on the franchise as a whole. It tells the story of the birth of the Orlando Magics and the fear and struggles of starting a brand new franchise. Interviews with past GM''s, players and coaches are all feature in this documentary. Key moments such as Shaq breaking the rim with a slam dunk to Nick Anderson missing foul shots are all touch and explored. 

The film is one of the best I've seen from the series. It paints a great story of triumph, heartbreak and ends with a bittersweet what if question with Shaq and Penny. What if Penny didn't get hurt? What if Shaq put his ego and pride to side and didn't leave? What if Nick Anderson made that shot? 30 for 30: This Magic Moment is a story of friends, brothers and team that shocked the world but ultimately fell short due to pressure and egos. This is a must see film for any 90s basketball fan and something that will be talked about for a while.

Final Grade 4.5/5 Stars