The Miami Heat’s season opener against the Orlando Magic was marred by offensive struggles, scoring only 18 points in the third quarter and 43 in the second half. Orlando’s defense deserves credit for the Heat’s woes, with the team registering eight steals and blocks, and holding Miami to 39% shooting. After the game, Magic star Paolo Banchero admitted he enjoyed seeing his team disrupt Miami’s offense.
Orlando’s backcourt, featuring Jalen Suggs and new signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, made their presence felt with steals and blocks. Jonathan Isaac also contributed defensively off the bench, recording two blocks and a steal in just under 15 minutes. The defensive effort held Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo to just 12 points combined, with both players shooting poorly.
Paolo Banchero said “it was fun” causing the havoc defensively they did vs. Miami. “I’ve never personally played for a team where we can actually do that. You play on team and wanna get stops, I don’t know how many in a row we got — but it was ridiculous”
🎥: @Magic_PR pic.twitter.com/mp5t9kTNBW
— Fawzan Amer (@FAmer__) October 24, 2024
Interestingly, Butler and Adebayo were the only Miami starters not to finish in double digits, while Terry Rozier led the Heat with 19 points on an inefficient 5-of-15 shooting night. Miami will look to recover when they face the Charlotte Hornets on October 26, after the Hornets secured a win over the Houston Rockets in their own opener.
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