The Orlando Magic earned their 23rd victory this season with a 105-87 victory over the Miami Heat in Orlando.
The Magic had their opening day starters on the floor for the first time in almost three months and with their original starters on the floor, the team is showing its potential and just how dangerous they can be.
“We challenged them the last time we played them and we held them to 99,” said Magic coach Jamahl Mosley. “So we know what we’re capable of doing, and guys understand we’re going to hang our hat on the defensive end of the floor. They took the challenge on one individual at a time.”
Coach Spo on Miami’s Struggles
The Heat dropped to 24-19 overall. They now hold just a one-game lead over Orlando Magic in the NBA’s Southeast Division. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra spoke postgame about the Heat’s loss and recent struggles.
“Sometimes you’re going to have rough patches, but as long as you’re generating the right types of looks, you can’t be obsessed with the results, even if it’s frustrating,” said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra. “You also have to give Orlando credit. They were very physical tonight and they kind of blew up a lot of our movement.”
Top Magic Contributors
Paolo Banchero scored 20 points on 7-for-14 shooting. Banchero knocked down 3-for-5 from the three-point line. He hit 3-for-5 from the free-throw line. Banchero also grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out two assists.
More Magic Contributions
- Franz Wagner scored 19 points, grabbed two rebounds, and dished out five assists.
- Wendell Carter Jr. scored 17 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out two assists.
- Markelle Fultz scored 12 points, grabbed a rebound, dished out four assists, and recorded two steals.
- Jalen Suggs scored 11 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out an assist.
The Orlando Magic play again at home on Monday, 1/22 against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tip-off from the Kia Center in Downtown Orlando is at 7 p.m.
