BURNING THE LEAD
After trailing the entire game, the Miami Heat snatched the come-from-behind win over the Magic, 107-103, in front of a packed Amway Center.
Jimmy Butker and the Heat came alive in the fourth quarter, burning through the hometown team’s 17-point cushion. Orlando’s young core had an excellent first half, building a comfortable lead by outscoring Miami’s bench. However, the experience of Miami’s frontcourt helped them tie the game late in the fourth, steal the lead in overtime, and the Heat never trailed after that moment.
MISSING T-ROSS
In their first game since veteran Terrance Ross‘ departure into free agency, the Magic jumped to a hot start, outscoring Miami in the paint (46/42), and leading the game until the bitter end. Unfortunately, as the Human Torch heads to Dallas, Orlando Magic fans find themselves missing his threatening presence on the perimeter.
Meanwhile, Miami’s (38) three-point attempts were pivotal to closing the gap down the stretch, while Orlando could only put up (29) shots from beyond the arc.
TAKEAWAYS FOR ORL
With “Let’s Go Heat” chants raining down from the upper bowl, Orlando’s final home game before the All-Star break might as well have been on South Beach. As Orlando’s overdependence on attacking the paint (and questionable calls from the refs) began to take their toll, a harsh realization set in.
As talented as the Magic are, they can’t compete without shooters on the perimeter. A massive void left by a veteran sharpshooter is the biggest problem for the Magic right now. Orlando needs those deep shots to fall in order to close-out competitive games.
TAKEAWAYS FOR MIA
Lack of offensive potency is an issue that needs to be fixed before Miami can reach it’s full potential. With the implosion of the Brooklyn Nets, and relocation of two of the leagues biggest stars out West (Kevin Durant to Phoenix, Kyrie Irving to Dallas), the Heat are in the best position to challenge Boston for Eastern Conference dominance.
Miami scored on less than half of their attempted threes (30.8%); attempted field goals (43.5%), and their biggest lead of the night was a mere five points. Excellence coaching and leadership aside, scoring matters too.
