A reminder on The Horry Scale: It breaks down a winning buzzer-beater (GWBB) into the categories of difficulty, game situation (was the team tied or behind at the time?), Importance (playoff game or garden-variety evening in November?) and party. Then we give it an overall rating on a scale of 1 to 5 Robert Horrys, named after the patron saint of prayers answered at the last second.
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With Minnesota’s Jarred Vanderbilt on the line with an ice chance the game, it looked like Orlando was heading for his seventh straight loss.
Clicking.
Clicking.
When the rebound found Cole Anthony with 4 seconds left in regulation time, the rookie knew exactly what to do: push the ball quickly down the field and throw a 3-point desperation.
Rustling. Magic 97, Timberwolves 96.
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DIFFICULTY
At full speed, Anthony dribbled four times and stood up 25 feet, pulling Malik Beasley past the Magic Bench. Nothing but the back of the net – and nothing easy about it.
GAME SITUATION
Falling behind by 20 early in the third quarter, Orlando reduced Minnesota’s lead. Anthony reduced the deficit to 96-94 with a 3 point with 34.6 seconds remaining. And 4.6 seconds to go, Anthony fouled Vanderbilt, who missed both free throws, opening the door to the unlikely finish.
PARTY
Anthony’s momentum carried him to the Magic Bench, where he was immediately assaulted by his teammates. The party continued moments later in the locker room after the team doused Anthony with water.
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– Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 21, 2021
CLASSROOM
After a 6-2 start, not much has happened for the Magic this season. It was a big moment for Anthony, who took over as starting point keeper following Markelle Fultz’s end-of-season injury. It may give the rookie more confidence and help turn Orlando around the season. 3 Horrys.