Reunited with their original starting lineup for the first time in over two months, the Orlando Magic showcased a stellar defensive performance during Sunday’s NBA action, securing a 105-87 victory against the Miami Heat.
Leading the charge for Orlando, Paolo Banchero scored 20 points, contributing to five starters reaching double-digit figures. The Magic’s defense was particularly noteworthy, holding the Heat to their lowest point of the season, as Miami struggled with a 37.5% shooting rate and committed 18 turnovers.
Markelle Fultz, marking his return to the starting lineup since early November, played a key role with 12 points, four assists, and a significant plus-21 impact.
“It felt good to have everyone back tonight, and it’s good to see how effective our defense is when we have that unit in,” Fultz said
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat Updates
Magic coach Jamahl Mosley praised his team’s defensive effort, noting their previous success against the Heat and emphasizing their commitment to strong defense.
“We challenged them the last time we played them and we held them to 99,” Mosley said. “So we know what we’re capable of doing, and guys understand we’re going to hang our hat on the defensive end of the floor. They took the challenge on one individual at a time.”
Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner, who returned after an eight-game absence due to an ankle sprain, were significant contributors, with Carter adding 17 points and nine rebounds and Wagner scoring 19 points with five assists.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat Updates
The Heat, facing their third consecutive loss, were led by Bam Adebayo with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Jimmy Butler, participating against Orlando for the first time this season, scored 15 points, while Tyler Herro contributed 12. Additionally, hampered by the absence of injured rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr., the Heat grappled with stagnant play and turnovers.
“I feel like we just get stagnant,” Adebayo said. “The biggest thing for us right now is we are in a rough patch and we have to dig ourselves out of it.”
Adebayo acknowledged the team’s struggles and emphasized the need to emerge from their rough patch. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged Orlando’s aggressive play, attributing it to disrupting Miami’s game plan.
“Sometimes you’re going to have rough patches, but as long as you’re generating the right types of looks, you can’t be obsessed with the results, even if it’s frustrating,” Spoelstra said. “You also have to give Orlando credit. They were very physical tonight and they kind of blew up a lot of our movement.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat Updates
A crucial 14-2 run in the third quarter, propelled by Wagner and Jalen Suggs, gave Orlando a 15-point lead. The Heat couldn’t reduce the deficit to single digits, trailing by as much as 24 points towards the end of the game. Fultz’s contributions were pivotal in the Magic’s 8-0 run in the fourth quarter, extending their lead significantly.
After a challenging period marked by injuries to key players like Carter, Fultz, and Wagner, the Magic’s improved performance reflects their full-strength potential.
“(Injuries) are going to happen, and it’s a next-man-up mentality,” Fultz said. “But to have everyone back at full strength, we’re a really good team and we’re hard to beat when we have everyone.”
Looking ahead, the Heat will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, while the Magic are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.
