Orlando Magic: Top 10 games of the 2018 season

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 6: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Isaiah Thomas #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Amway Center on February 6, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Cavaliers 116 to 98. 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. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 6: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Isaiah Thomas #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Amway Center on February 6, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Cavaliers 116 to 98. 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. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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6. Oct. 18 vs. Miami Heat

38. 109. 110. Final. 116

Grades . . . Orlando Magic pass their first test of adversity

Opening night feels like a long time ago. It was a day of some absolute hope and a chance to redeem themselves. Especially after failing to get off to that good foot against their in-state rival the previous year.

The Magic though came out firing. No one knew what to expect from this team and they got a 3-point barrage. Aaron Gordon did not even have a fantastic game on his part. But the Magic still built a healthy lead.

Then the Miami Heat came back with Hassan Whiteside scoring some big baskets and showing off a jumper early in the season.

It felt like the kind of game the Magic would inexcusably lose. There was that feeling of “here we go again.” But this time was different.

The Magic made the plays down the stretch. Evan Fournier and Nikola Vucevic’s two-man game was executed perfectly and the Magic held off the Heat in the end. The sold-out Amway Center went home happy and just about everything seemed completely possible.

All five starters scored at least 13 points and Jonathon Simmons added 12 points off the bench. Orlando played some strong defense and held the Heat to 8-for-21 shooting from beyond the arc. Everything seemed like it could work.

Oh, those optimistic, happy days.