--The Magic, celebrating their 20th season, introduced before the game many of the players and coaches from their original team from the 1989-90 season. Included in that group were Nick Anderson, Sam Vincent, Jerry Reynolds, Sidney Green, Mark Acres, and Otis Smith. Unable to attend because they are coaching now in the NBA were Scott Skiles and Reggie Theus.
--It didn't take long for shooting guard Maurice Evans -- a Magic starter last season -- to get a shot at his former team. Evans was not re-signed this summer and went to Atlanta. He played twice against the Magic during the exhibition schedule, then opened the regular season Wednesday against them. --The 14-point loss Wednesday matched the Magic's worst season-opening loss in franchise history. They also snapped their regular season string of 82 consecutive games of at least five three-point baskets. They had just four on Wednesday.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We had a lot of guys who were abysmal at both ends of the floor." -- Coach Stan Van Gundy.
