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2009 Orlando Magic needed first round struggles to truly find themselves

Rashard Lewis led the Orlando Magic in a vital Game 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers in 2009. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

The Orlando Magic’s first-round series with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2009 was a difficult and frustrating matchup. Those struggles were vital to their run.

The word came down the day between Games 5 and 6 of the Orlando Magic’s first-round series with the Philadelphia 76ers. Dwight Howard’s technical foul in the third quarter of the game had been upgraded to a flagrant foul and a one-game suspension.

In a tight series that saw game-winning shots in three of its first four games, the Magic would have to go on the road and play a potential series-clinching game without its best player.