The Miami Heat secured a victory with a score below 100, a rarity in today’s high-scoring NBA, achieving this feat for the first time in over a month; they triumphed over the Orlando Magic with a close 99-96 win last Friday.
Duncan Robinson led the scoring for Miami with 23 points, and Bam Adebayo’s critical jumper in the final moments was pivotal in clinching the win.
The victory was notable in the context of this season’s performances, with teams rarely winning when scoring less than 100 points. The last instance was when Houston defeated San Antonio back in December.
“And I think the fans really enjoyed it,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat, Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic Updates
The Heat’s success was buoyed by Adebayo’s all-around game, contributing 21 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, along with Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s 19-point effort. Paolo Banchero stood out with 25 points on the Magic’s side, but his last-second attempts to secure a win for Orlando were unsuccessful.
“Got to my spot at the end and had another great look,” Banchero said. “Can’t ask for a better opportunity than that. … I think we played well enough to win.”
Their recent record and performance at the free-throw line further highlighted Orlando’s struggles. They are on a multi-city tour, with upcoming games in Oklahoma City, New York, and Atlanta.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat, Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic Updates
Miami’s victory also marked a season rarity, as games with sub-100 point wins are uncommon. The Heat had previously struggled in low-scoring games, while the Magic had been more successful in such scenarios.
“It is more of a marathon than it is a sprint right now,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “This one stings and it hurts, but it’s also a lesson a young team is going to learn as we get through this.”
Injuries and player absences were significant factors for both teams, with Miami missing key players like Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, and Tyler Herro, and Orlando without Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr.
“We ran a lot of actions through him down the stretch, and he hit the big one to give us the lead,” Spoelstra said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat, Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic Updates
Despite these challenges, Miami’s win solidified their unbeaten record against Southeast Division opponents this season. They will continue their home games with a matchup against Charlotte, which will include a ceremony honoring Dwyane Wade’s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Next up for the teams, Orlando will face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday, while Miami hosts the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday.
