RECAP: Magic rally late to defeat Heat 125-121 in season opener

"The game was entertaining from the start, and Miami was on fire offensively - although they had to little to show for it by the end of the quarter when they allowed the home team to storm back into the game. Nikola Jovic had his moments early with a pair of long threes and some nifty passing, but it was Norman Powell who led the Heat in an impressive debut, pouring in 28 points and grabbing 9 rebounds while posting a team-best +12 in 32 minutes. He was efficient and aggressive, giving Miami an offensive spark off the wing that was needed with the absence of Tyler Herro."

"Despite the offensive output, Miami's defense faltered late. The Magic imposed themselves, led by Paolo Banchero's 24 points, outscoring the Heat 14-4 over the final four minutes, keyed by clutch play from Franz Wagner (24 pts, 7 reb) and Desmond Bane, who hit five 3-pointers en route to 23 points in his Orlando debut."

"Bam Adebayo struggled with efficiency, finishing with just 11 points (5-12 FG) and 7 rebounds. There were some moments he displayed aggressiveness on offense, but more often than not smothered inside by Orlando's bigger frontline. Why Erik Spoelstra didn't give more minutes to Kel'el Ware to counter this, especially with Wendlell Carter Jr. coming through with key clutch plays in the paint late in the game, was a curious one. Jovic's impact on the game faded quickly and he was targeted on defense and ended the night with a -14 net rating in 22 minutes, with Spoelstra electing to go with an effective Jaime Jaquez Jr., chipping in 13 points, for the lion's"

Miami surrendered a double-digit second-half lead and fell 125-121 to the Orlando Magic in the season opener at the Amway Center. Norman Powell paced the Heat with 28 points, 9 rebounds and a +12 in 32 minutes, while Andrew Wiggins added 18 points and 4 assists. Nikola Jovic showed early promise but finished with a -14 net rating in 22 minutes. Orlando surged late behind Paolo Banchero (24), Franz Wagner (24, 7 rebounds) and Desmond Bane (five 3-pointers, 23 points). Bam Adebayo battled inefficiency (11 points, 5-12 FG), and coaching decisions on minutes for Kel'el Ware drew questions after Wendell Carter Jr. made key plays in the paint.

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