Magic dominate Heat 116-97 in season opener
- Paolo Banchero scored 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, leading the Orlando Magic to victory.
- The Magic's three-point strategy was evident, as they attempted 49 shots from beyond the arc.
- Miami's performance was disappointing, particularly in the third quarter, making the loss a significant blow to their opener.
On Wednesday night, in Miami, the Orlando Magic opened their season with a decisive 116-97 victory over the Miami Heat. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with a remarkable performance, scoring 33 points and collecting 11 rebounds. Franz Wagner supported him well, contributing 23 points, and Gary Harris added another 18 points, all from three-pointers. The Magic demonstrated a significant emphasis on the three-point shot, attempting 49 in total and making 18, illustrating their strategic shift from last season where they were the league's lowest in three-pointers made. The game saw a striking third quarter from the Magic, where they outscored the Heat by 21 points, establishing a 39-18 margin. This incredible display marked the most lopsided third quarter on the road for the Magic since 2010, showcasing their powerful offense. Miami struggled significantly, with Jimmy Butler's poor performance, scoring only three points and hitting just one out of eight field goals. Despite a ceremonial celebration for “Pat Riley Court” night, Miami couldn’t find their rhythm as the game progressed, falling behind by as many as 32 points. Nikola Jovic and Tyler Herro contributed 15 and 14 points respectively for the Heat, but their efforts were overshadowed by the Magic's impressive teamwork and shooting. Looking ahead, the Magic will play their home opener against the Brooklyn Nets, while Miami will seek to rebound against the Charlotte Hornets. This opening night game clearly sets a positive tone for the Magic's season, suggesting a potentially formidable strategy leveraging long-range shooting.