Magic edge Heat behind Banchero's double-double
Alta Sports3 days ago
The Orlando Magic opened their new NBA season with a narrow 125-121 victory against their Eastern Conference rival Miami Heat.
Three Magic players scored 20+ points led by Paolo Banchero who tallied a 24-point, 11-rebound double-double followed by Franz Wagner who contributed 24 points and six assists, while newly acquired Desmond Bane erupted with 23 points together with two blocks.
After an early 12-point lead by Miami in the first quarter, it became a close encounter between the two teams up until the final frame.
With the game tied at 119 after Andrew Wiggins' clutch three-point shot, Jalen Suggs swished a difficult mid-range jumpshot and Bane sank two clutch free throws to give the Magic a four-point cushion.
Norman Powell scored in a slam to narrow the lead into to two with 30 ticks left, but the Heat decided for an intentional foul that resulted in two made free throws by Wendell Carter Jr., that ultimately iced the game for the home team.
Powell had an impressive opening performance in the Heat's loss with 28 points, nine rebounds, and four assists.
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