The Orlando Magic were able to defeat the Miami Heat to extend their winning streak to seven games, and there were several key moments that led to another victory.
MIAMI — The Orlando Magic outdueled the Miami Heat on Saturday to sweep the regular season series and put some distance between them and their Southeast Division rivals in the Eastern Conference standings.
Heading into Saturday’s matchup, the fifth-seed Magic had the sixth-seed Heat breathing down their necks for position in the standings, and a 121-117 win provides a small gap while extending Orlando’s winning streak to seven games.
Not Allowing Collapse
On Thursday night, Orlando saw its winning streak jeopardized after blowing a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter. The Magic were able to claw their way to victory in overtime, but it was certainly a narrow escape.
After overcoming the Wizards, Jalen Suggs made it clear that the team would have liked to win the game in regulation, and they were able to do that on Saturday despite another scare.
The Heat were able to cut a 15-point deficit to two points in the fourth quarter as the crowd inside the Kaseya Center grew louder with each stop and empty possession by Orlando.
With nine seconds remaining and a 119-117 lead to protect, Paolo Banchero went to the line and both free throws to complete his 27-point night and give his team the 121-117 lead they would possess through the final buzzer.
“I was extremely proud of these guys for staying with it, because we didn't execute down the stretch,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “I mean, you've got to give them a ton of credit. The zone, throwing out different coverages, picking up full court, attacking the basket.
“We've been in this situation before where we've been up, and they come storming back. But our guys, the resiliency, and I think that's a mindset piece for our guys. Understanding that we've been here before, been in this situation before, so now, what do we need to do? That was the mentality of our guys from this morning until the end of the game.”
The win improved the Magic to 5-0 over Miami this season, marking the first time since the 1993-94 season they have gone 5-0 in a season against another team, when they went 5-0 against the New Jersey Nets.
“Yeah, man, it's crazy,” Banchero said about going undefeated against the Heat. “You know, since my rookie year, we've always had tight games against these guys.”
Paolo Passes a Franchise Great
The Magic were able to jump out to and maintain a lead thanks to the aggressiveness and facilitation of Banchero.
By the third quarter, Banchero had already registered 23 points, five rebounds and six assists. In doing so, it became his 76th career game with 20-plus points, five-plus rebounds and five-plus assists, which passed Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway’s 75 games for second all-time in Magic history. The No. 1 spot belongs to Tracy McGrady, who has 117 such games.
“I mean, yeah, that's a crazy stat right there,” Banchero said. “You know, obviously Penny Hardaway is a hall of famer; one of the greats to put on the Magic uniform. So, big ups to him.
“You know, he recruited me a little bit when I was in high school, so, you know, that's a hell of an accomplishment; big fan of him.
For Mosley, who has been coaching Banchero for the duration of the latter’s young NBA career, the maturation is something to relish.
“That's a heck of a milestone,” Mosley said. “I mean, you’re talking about the greats of Magic history. And I think him being able to grow and continue to lead this group has been fantastic.”
Jamal Cain’s Big Contributions
During the Magic’s seven-game winning streak, they have received key performances from not just the stars of the roster, but the role players as well. On Saturday night, it was Jamal Cain’s turn to make an impact.
In 18:31 of play time, Cain notched 12 points, seven rebounds and a block. He hit five of his eight shots from the field and two of his four 3-point attempts; making the most out of the most minutes he has played in a game all season.
“Being on a two way, you don't get the luxury of playing every night,” Cain said. “So I mean, once I heard that Jett [Howard] was going down, I knew how to get my mind right. And I knew all the work I put in had to be shown tonight.”
Howard was ruled out of Saturday’s game with an illness which provided a key opportunity for Cain.
For Cain, it is significant to be a part of this group and make an impact.
“I mean, it's special,” Cain said. “It's special, man. When I got here, the energy was amazing. Guys welcomed me in like I was their brother. And just to see, like, we had ups and downs with the season, but where we're at now, it's beautiful.
“We're winning, we're connected, we're competing, you know what I mean? And we're trusting, and it's the outcome of that.”
Orlando’s seven-game win streak is the longest the organization has been able to produce since the 2023 season. The Magic will attempt to keep it going when they visit the Atlanta Hawks on Monday.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Be sure to subscribe to the podcast
For additional coverage, subscribe to our Full Court Magic Podcast!