The Magic still beat the Heat in the derby

A few days before we meet in Quarterfinals of the NBA Cupthe Magic and the Heat they already met in the second of their five (!) derbies in the season. Two teams in the Eastern Conference’s Top 6, who are one game apart, and who have enjoyed competing for Florida supremacy for thirty years.

As it was at the season opener Orlando who takes the best (106-105). Miami and we had to wait until the last second to find out the winner of this poster. If Norman Powell (28 points) et Bam Adebayo (24 points, 15 rebounds) shined without Tyler Hero, they had to surrender Franz Wagner (32 points) et Jalen Suggs (22 points).

Switching happens after a pause

The first half is statistically and visually very balanced (60-57). It was especially marked by the return to the game of Paolo Bunchero and all the influence on the Heat side of the duo Norman Powell – Bam Adebayo (31 points in total), perfect to answer the Magic collective, led by Franz Wagner (13 points). Then Orlando takes control, and in what way!

With Jalen Suggs in full swing (15 points) and Franz Wagner, who is also very hot on 3-pointers, the Magic gradually separated, finishing the first period well, and put Miami within about ten points. It must be said that the Heat, also hampered by the offensive and defensive aggressiveness of Anthony Black coming off the bench, are settling turnovers. Which inevitably thwarts his attack, usually so well rehearsed (87-79).

Orlando is in control and Orlando can especially count on Franz Wagner’s gala, supported by all the energy of these devils Jalen Sag and Anthony Black, to reject the “return” attempts of their neighbor from Florida, sometimes initiated by Norman Powell, sometimes by Jaime Jaquez Jr.

But Norman Powell didn’t give up and managed to get the lead back to within one possession. He even has a chance to give Miami the lead again, except his shot is well contested by Wendell Carter Jr., whose new good competition then prevents Bam Adebayo from adjusting his game-winner at the buzzer. Victory for the Magic (106-105), but it was complicated!

TO BE REMEMBERED

– Paolo Banchero is back. Absent ten games without preventing the Magic from performing during that time (7 wins – 3 losses), Paolo Banchero was able to play again after a groin injury, despite the playing time limit (20 minutes). Low-key (9 points on 3/8), he didn’t necessarily look to disrupt a team that had done well without him, leaving Franz Wagner to fuel the scoring while Jaylen Suggs and Anthony Black, Orlando’s other two big men, took over well. Easy recovery for the 2023 Rookie of the Year.

– Orlando had to retire in “money time”. The trio of Franz Wagner – Jalen Suggs – Anthony Black carried the team for most of the match, especially after the break, but Wendell Carter Jr., with his two good contests, allowed the Magic to win this night. Norman Powell, Bam Adebayo and others were very threatening, but Jamal Mosley’s men held on, after making the difference after returning from the locker room, thanks to strong defensive pressure and newfound 3-point prowess.

– Part III in four days. After the Magic’s victory at the start of the season, the Heat again lost to their neighbors in the last moments. After hosting the Kings this Saturday, Erik Spoelstra’s men will have another chance for revenge next Tuesday night in a high-stakes meeting as it will be the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. And there you will have to go to the Kia center. Note that Orlando is now ahead of Miami in the standings, even if the records are identical: 14 wins and 9 losses.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.