Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 116, Miami Heat 107

By Ryan Doyle

Feb 13, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Luke Babbitt (5) defends against Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Luke Babbitt (5) defends against Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Orlando Magic were able to win a close one against the rival Miami Heat 116-107 for their second win in Miami over the Heat this season.

VS.
1234T
Magic36242729116
Heat28293020107

Even after a rough third quarter, the Orlando Magic came back and put together a strong performance down the stretch as they were able to keep the Miami Heat at bay for an 116-107 victory.

The Magic were led by strong performances from their starters. Evan Fournier and Serge Ibaka scored 24 and 17 respectively. Nikola Vucevic also put together a double-double with 17 boards and 13 points.

Of late, the Magic have looked terrible. For the team to go out and have a well-rounded victory is a good sign regardless if the team may have already thrown in the towel on the season. Especially against a Heat team that has been red-hot of late.

The Magic controlled much of the game, but some of the same problems persisted even though the Magic responded. Yet again, the Magic defense fell apart in the third quarter and let Dion Waiters and company tear them apart. James Johnson scored nine straight at one point. Luckily, the Magic offense played well and answered to keep the game tied 87-87 heading to the final quarter.

Knowing this team’s history, it would have been predictable for the Magic to collapse and falter late. Especially on the role.

Orlando flipped that script, getting big shots from Evan Fournier to keep Miami at bay.

The Magic started off the game hot taking a 36-28 lead into the second quarter. Orlando dominated the boards taking advantage of Miami’s front court. The Magic led the rebounding battle 17-5 by quarter’s end.

Nikola Vucevic, Serge Ibaka and Aaron Gordon came out with a ton of energy and outworked Miami in the first. Looking to crash the offensive glass and take advantage of size matchups put the Magic in the position they were early.

Orlando started out cold in the second half, but went on a nice run in the middle of the quarter. A few bad offensive possessions kept the game close and Orlando took a 60-57 lead and momentum, into the locker room at halftime.

Orlando controlled the tempo of the game for the most part. They played with energy and intensity to keep the Heat on their toes. They answered every run and picked up a deserved win.

C. In his first game back from injury, Aaron Gordon looked great physically. From the opening tip, Gordon was running down the floor and attacking both the rim and the glass. This is a great sign for those that are excited to see him in the dunk contest during All-Star weekend. Gordon ended his night with eight points, six rebounds and three assists.<p>The Magic put the ball in his hands a few times and Gordon looked awkward. He still is not someone who can create his own shot and it showed tonight. Still, it is probably best to give Gordon some looks in those situations as there is plenty of time for development. Maybe it can be chalked up to rust, but Gordon did turn the ball over tonight.</p><p>Overall, he did not play bad for his first game back, but he could have been better.</p>. SF. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

MARIO HEZONJA. B+. As always, it is nice seeing <strong><a rel=. SF. Orlando Magic

Nikola Vucevic was engaged tonight. Offensively, Vucevic was not his usually self. He failed to hit his patented mid-range jumpers and shot worse than 30 percent from the field. Vucevic finished with 13 points on 4-for-14 shooting. It was not his cleanest offensive night.<p>Vucevic played his best on the glass, helping limit Miami to one shot and controlling the tempo all game. He ended the first half with 12 rebounds and had 17 by the final whistle.</p><p>He was tasked with guarding <strong><a rel=. C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC. B

C-. How did the Miami Heat win 13 games in a row?<p>The Heat were unable to squeak by the lowly Magic and did not look very impressive in the process. Listen, a win is a win but the Heat have some major issues. The Magic destroyed them on the offensive glass and the Heat were only able to climb back into the game with another uninspired Magic effort in the third quarter. The Heat were held in check in the fourth quarter and it is going to be a serious question about this team’s playoff chances.</p><p>The Heat were led by a pair of strong 20-point performances by Dion Waiters and <strong><a rel=. 24-32. 11th East. MIAMI HEAT