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Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 111, Miami Heat 109

By Philip Rossman-Reich

MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 5: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Miami Heat on February 5, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 5: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Miami Heat on February 5, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic withstood a shaky end to the game and some hectic plays to scratch out a victory over the Miami Heat on the road.

Everything at the end was a mad scramble. The final two minutes a mess of everything with the team that would win being the one who merely collected the ball and finished.

The Orlando Magic had blown a 16-point lead (again) to the Miami Heat, leaving the game tied at 109 with about two minutes left. Someone was going to win the game.

Jonathon Simmons was the unlikely hero. Getting the ball at the top of the key, rocking left and driving past his man to an open lane and jamming it home with one hand. From there, both teams struggled to scratch out those last two points.

The Magic turned over an inbounds as they tried to take a two-possession lead again. The Heat were trying just as hard to inch out the win.

Bismack Biyombo was taking those inches though. He deflected a shot from Justise Winslow that was originally called a goaltend. That got overturned and the Heat had an inbound opportunity with one second left.

But Bismack Biyombo deflected inbound pass too, allowing the Magic to hold the ball to the end and win 111-109 at American Airlines Arena on Monday.

Despite plenty of frustration stemming from some questionable officiating — the Heat took 35 free throws including 28 in the first half — the Magic were able to persevere and score the victory.

It came largely on the backs of the team’s bench. They kept the Magic in the game again after falling behind early on. So too did the 3-point shooting from players like Mario Hezonja (4 for 9), Marreese Speights (2 for 6) and D.J. Augustin (3 for 6).

The Magic held a heavy advantage from beyond the arc as the Heat struggled to make 3-pointers. It helped Orlando open up a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter.

Nothing is ever easy for this team, though. Orlando saw its lead slip away as the team’s 3-pointers dried up and coach Frank Vogel went with his reserves a hair too long. Miami’s ability to get offensive rebounds and get Orlando defenders out of position finally gave the team a lift.

It created the chaotic final few minutes. A final few minutes the Magic were able to pull through with at the end.

G/F. Orlando Magic. JONATHON SIMMONS. B+. <a href=

B-. Bismack Biyombo needs to be active. He is most effective when he is free to roam and block shots. That is his big impact. He can deflect passes and deflect shots with the best of them. Orlando has seen him do that more and more since he entered the starting lineup. But it has not been consistent.<p>Biyombo made some very big plays late in the game. The Magic clearly trusted him most defensively late in the game. Even with the Heat going to a lineup of all shooters with Justise Winslow at center, the Magic turned to Biyombo. He came up with the block to preserve the lead and the deflection and steal that led to the Magic’s win.</p><p>He finished with nine points and five rebounds. It was the five rebounds that were most concerning. The Heat had 17 offensive rebounds including six from <a rel=. C. Orlando Magic. BISMACK BIYOMBO

MARIO HEZONJA. A-. <a href=. F. Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic have relied heavily on their bench in the last few games. And they have produced. There is just a calm about the way the bench operates — a mix of young players and veterans who just know how to play their roles. They have found a nice groove. And a lot of that is because <a href=. PG. Orlando Magic. D.J. AUGUSTIN. B+

C-. The Miami Heat are struggling right now. The four-game losing streak says that. And losing to the league-worst Orlando Magic is never a good look for a team fighting for Playoff positioning. Miami has fallen from fourth in the East to seventh fairly quickly. And this was not a good loss.<p>The Heat were getting to the line at will in the first half. But when those free throws dried up in the second half, the offense did too. Miami was just 3 for 23 from beyond the arc. Despite their offensive rebounding, the offense was always a bit of a struggle.</p><p>But the Heat are undoubtedly more disappointed by their poor defensive effort. Miami could have put this game away early with the way Orlando was struggling to score. Instead, it became a tight game because the Heat simply could not get stops.</p>. 29-25. 7th East. MIAMI HEAT

Next: Aaron Gordon withdraws from Dunk Contest

The Orlando Magic are right back in action Tuesday as they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Amway Center.