Paolo Banchero delivered a standout performance with 33 points and 11 rebounds, while Franz Wagner contributed 23 points as the Orlando Magic triumphed over the Miami Heat 116-97 on Wednesday night, marking the season opener for both teams.
Gary Harris also made a notable impact, scoring 18 points, all from three-pointers, as the Magic showcased their long-range shooting by converting 18 of 49 attempts from beyond the arc.
For Miami, Terry Rozier led the team with 19 points, with Nikola Jovic and Tyler Herro adding 15 and 14 points, respectively. The matchup was highlighted by a celebration of “Pat Riley Court” night, featuring a halftime ceremony.
The Magic displayed dominance in the second half, leading by as much as 32 points.
Key observations from the game include the Magic’s aggressive approach to three-point shooting, attempting a remarkable 27 shots from deep before halftime, significantly higher than their first-half average of 23 attempts from last season. This shift comes after they finished the previous season with the fewest three-pointers made in the league.
In contrast, Jimmy Butler struggled offensively for Miami, shooting just 1-for-8 from the field and finishing the game with three points, marking the fifth occasion in his career where he played over 24 minutes and scored three points or fewer.
The pivotal moment of the game occurred in the third quarter, where the Magic outscored the Heat 39-18, establishing a decisive 21-point margin that reflected their control on the court. This was the most significant third-quarter scoring differential for the team on the road since February 2010 against the Boston Celtics.
Banchero’s performance also marked a milestone, becoming the sixth player in Magic history to score at least 30 points in a season opener, joining the ranks of Tracy McGrady, Shaquille O’Neal, Nick Anderson, and Anfernee Hardaway. Banchero’s 33 points place him third on the franchise’s opening night scoring list, behind the 42-point records held by both Anderson and O’Neal.
Looking ahead, the Magic will host the Brooklyn Nets for their home opener on Friday night, while the Heat will face off against the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night.