Orlando Magic: Top 3 individual performances from the 2018-19 NBA season

The Orlando Magic ended the 2018/19 NBA season with a whimper, falling in the first round of the playoffs to the Toronto Raptors.

However, their regular season campaign was one to write home about, with the Magic punching well above their weight to secure a playoff berth for the first time since 2011/12.

The Magic secured 7th spot in the East with a 42-40 record, which looks all the more impressive in hindsight, considering the hole they had dug for themselves midway through the season.

Boasting a 20-31 record at one point in time, the Magic banked on strong performances from Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon, for the most part, to win 22 of their final 31 games and seal a playoff berth.

Without a true superstar in the lineup, the Magic had to rely on regular contributions from a number of players on their roster to stay competitive. However, there were a few truly noteworthy performances that made the highlight reels.

On that note, here's looking at three best individual performances from Orlando's ultimately successful season:

---

#3 Aaron Gordon sparkles on opening night

Aaron Gordon's NBA career has been ravaged by injuries, however, ahead of the 2018/19 season, he looked fitter than ever before and raring to go, having just signed a four-year, $84 million extension of his rookie deal.

The Magic opened their campaign at home against Miami, looking to get their season off to a bright start.

Gordon sparkled on the night, making 4 of his 5 attempts from deep. He finished with 26 points and 16 rebounds, surpassing his season high (15) from the 2017-18 campaign.

One of his biggest contributions in the game came early with the Magic trailing by 8 in the first quarter. Gordon secured a long offensive rebound, dribbled the ball out to the corner and drained a three to end a Heat run and get the Magic to within 5.

He also dished out a couple of assists to cap off a memorable night.

#2 Nikola Vucevic's 20-20 vision

Orlando Magic v Atlanta Hawks

With the Magic still in playoff contention, they welcomed the Atlanta Hawks to Orlando in what was essentially a must-win encounter.

However, that pressure essentially served as inspiration for Nikola Vucevic, who had a monster night, leading the Magic to a 10-point victory.

Vucevic finished with 27 points on 10-20 shooting from the field - 17 of those came in the first eight minutes of the game as he got the Magic off to an electric start. He also made all 7 of his free throw attempts. Vucevic was a beast on the glass, grabbing 20 rebounds, making him the first Orlando player since, well, himself in 2014, to finish with over 20 points and 20 rebounds in a game.

Over the course of the game, Vucevic also recorded his seventh career 20-point/20-rebound game and his ninth career 20+ rebound encounter.

Vucevic was the Magic's MVP over the duration of the season and it was performances such as these that ensured Orlando snuck into the playoffs.

.@NikolaVucevic posted a double-double of 27 PTS and 20 REB in the @OrlandoMagic win over the Hawks! He also added 3 AST and 3 STL to finish with 62.5 #NBAFantasy points.It's Vucevic's 7th 20/20 game of his career! pic.twitter.com/pocEszu6z8

— NBA Fantasy (@NBAFantasy) March 18, 2019

#1 Orlando bank on Vucevic magic to sweep Lakers

Nikola Vucevic torched the Lakers with 31 points and 15 rebounds on the night

Nikola Vucevic has come in for some criticism over the years for his lack of versatility, but this past season, he proved he is truly the most important player on the Orlando roster.

Having just beaten the Lakers a week prior to this encounter, the Magic were eyeing a regular season sweep of LeBron's men.

Vucevic came to the party, posting an incredible statline of 31-15-7-3. The big man finished a +17 for the game and made all 8 of his free-throws to cap off an incredible night.

He even managed to outscore LeBron on the night which is no mean feat. Vucevic connected with 3 of his 8 attempts from down town as the Magic battled to a 108-104 victory, taking their record to 10-10 at the time.