The Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat both enter the 2024-2025 season with lofty hopes. Both teams made the Playoffs last year and were bounced in the first round by Boston and Cleveland respectively. The Magic visited the Heat in Miami and they made a statement defeating the Heat 116-97. The Heat have dominated this matchup over the past few years. However, the Magic seem to be turning the corner. Their young nucleus has been together for a few years now and they seem to be putting it altogther. The Magic are truly a good team on the cusp of becoming a great team.
One notable adjustment the Orlando Magic have made this year so far is shooting the three ball more. During the 2023-2024 season the Magic’s high for threes in a half was 23. Against the Heat they shot 27 threes in the first half. Being able to hit the three ball consistantly will be vital to their success this season.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 33 points on 12-for-24 shootiing. Banchero grabbed 11 rebounds and dioshed out three assists as well. Banchero was very aggressive against the Heat’s defense. They did not have an answer for him all game long. He was the main catalyst and why the Magic were able to blow the game wide open in the third quarter.
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More Magic Contributions
- Franz Wagner scored 23 points on 10-for-16 shooting. Wagner also grabbed four rebounds and dished out four assists.
- Jalen Suggs scored 11 points on 3-for-4 shooting. Suggs also grabbed two rebounds and dished out four assists.
- Gary Harris scored 18 points on 6-for-9 shooting. Harris also grabbed three rebounds and dished out an assist off the bench.
- Anthony Black scored 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting. Black also grabbed six rebounds and dished out four asissts off the bench.
The Orlando Magic travel back home to Orlando next to face the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, 10/25. Tip-off from the Kia Center in Downtown Orlando is at 7 pm Eastern.
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