A third-quarter surge from the Orlando Magic unravels the Miami Heat, with costly turnovers sealing another defeat against their in-state rivals.
Miami, FL - The Miami Heat sought to get their first victory against the Orlando Magic this season. They've faced the in-state rival three times and lost two by single digits. Both sides were looking to get their seasons back on track, especially with the All-Star break being weeks ahead.
The Heat were still without All-Star guard Tyler Herro (right costochondral rib injury) and Davion Mitchell (left shoulder sprain). The Magic were missing Franz Wagner (left high ankle sprain), who was on an All-Star trajectory, averaging 22.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 48.2 percent from the field, 36.8 percent from three-point range in 26 games.
The starting lineups:
Heat: Kasparas Jakucionis-Norman Powell-Pelle Larsson-Andrew Wiggins-Bam Adebayo
Magic: Jalen-Suggs-Anthony Black-Desmond Bane-Paolo Banchero-Wendell Carter Jr.
It was time for tip-off, but after a sloppy offensive start by both teams, Desmond Bane was the first to make a field goal with a layup. The Magic would spark an early 22-7 run, making three three-pointers and scoring in the paint on fastbreak possessions. The Heat weren't matching the punches, which resulted in them trailing 34-27 at the end of the first quarter.
To begin the second, Simone Fontecchio provided a massive boost, especially with a dunk over Bane. The Heat then sparked an electrifying 24-10 run, led by the bench unit. They finished with a 68-59 lead after scoring 20 points in the paint.
Fontecchio scored 17 first-half points, which led the team at halftime.
The Magic responded tremendously throughout the third quarter, sparking a 20-6 run, with All-Star forward Paolo Banchero leading the charge, scoring 11 of those points.
The Heat failed to regain ground after giving up 40 points for the entire third quarter and remained winless against their in-state rival, with a final score of 133-124.
Banchero finished with a strong 31 points and 12 rebounds double-double, including four assists, a steal, and a block in 38 minutes. Anthony Black followed with 26 points, including four three-pointers made, seven rebounds, five assists, four steals, and two blocks in 37 minutes.
Fontecchio finished as the Heat's leading scorer with a new season-high of 23 points, a new career-high of six three-pointers made, including five rebounds, two assists, and a block in 20 minutes. All-Star center Bam Adebayo followed with 21 points, four three-pointers made, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals in 39 minutes.
One of the keys to the game was the Heat committing 18 turnovers, which resulted in 24 points for the Magic.
"We can score in bunches," Erik Spoelstra said. "We can score as well as anybody in this league, but when we don't defend, that's been pretty consistent all year, and we pay the price for that."
The Heat will go through a playoff-esk experience, facing the Chicago Bulls three times in four nights, twice at home. The stretch begins on Thursday night, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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