Orlando Magic Grades: Miami Heat outpace tired Orlando Magic team

The Orlando Magic got down early and trailed by as much as 19 points midway through the second quarter against the Miami Heat. It felt like another game where the young team would take its lumps.

The Heat’s pressure bothered the Magic into rushed shots and turnovers. Orlando settled for 3-pointer after 3-pointer, unable to get inside. The Heat ran back at the Magic, taking advantage of a disorganized defense reeling from poor shooting and constant mistakes.

Jimmy Butler was in his bag for 24 first-half points, as he raced for steals and took advantage of every sloppy moment for the Magic.

This was the point in previous games where the Magic let go of the rope. Their first two games saw the Magic get run out of the gym at these points.

This young, pesty Magic team would not go away. They were willing to match the physicality on defense and as long as they got set, the Heat too were finding it tough to score anywhere outside of Butler’s low-post mastery.

Orlando went on a 10-0 run to cut the lead down to nine points. Even with the Heat able to extend the lead back out, this was a game.

In the third quarter, the Magic tried to make it a game and brought narrowed the lead to six points twice. But Miami was simply the more talented and better team. Eventually, the Heat pulled away from the Magic and enjoyed a 107-90 home victory against its in-state rival.

The Orlando Magic continued to fight back, but their inconsistency executing on offense and turnovers were too much to overcome against the Miami Heat.

Miami would blow the doors open in the fourth quarter, outscoring Orlando 26-20 in the period, but opening up as much as a 22-point lead. The Magic could not sustain enough offense and their five turnovers in the period were too much to overcome.

Miami turned 18 turnovers overall into 20 points and recorded 21 fast-break points on 12 field goal attempts. The Heat were constantly looking to beat the inexperienced Magic squad down the court, pushing the ball ahead quickly at all points.

The Magic could certainly take some lessons from that style of play.

Heat forward Jimmy Butler came to play, and Orlando did not have an answer for him defensively. Butler scored 24 points early and notched four steals in only one half of basketball. He continued his stellar play throughout the game and finished with 36 points and five steals.

The Magic had their chances. They cut the lead to six points twice in the third quarter. But each time, Orlando was unable to get over the hump and score that last point to draw even.

Eventually, the team’s lack of depth and the Heat’s pressure pushed the lead back out to where the Magic could not reach.

Player Grades

Franz Wagner – B+

Rookie forward Franz Wagner continued his impressive play this season. He along with fellow rookie Jalen Suggs tied for a team-leading 15 points.

Wagner continues to show the ability to put the ball on the floor and drive to the basket. He caught the Heat off guard and scored 13 points in the first half. Wagner’s jump shot is still a work in progress as he went 2-for-7 from the three-point line, but the Magic have to be impressed with the rookie.

Defensively, even, Wagner is doing a good job keeping his feet and guarding his man. He stonewalled Jimmy Butler on one possession and even switched onto Bam Adebayo and defended him well. Wagner has been the most pleasant and impressive surprise of the early season.

Jalen Suggs – C+

Jalen Suggs continues to search for his space and tempo at the NBA level. All while opponents are giving him tons of respect. Jimmy Butler was lined up across from Jalen Suggs as his education in the league continues. Still, Suggs is starting to peak through. And he is doing some impressive things.

Suggs knocked down a team-leading four of eight three-point attempts. The combo guard has a knack for knocking down deep threes. In the third quarter with plenty of time remaining in the shot clock, Suggs pulled up and drained a three over a Heat defender.

Suggs finished the game with 15 points although he needed a 5-for-12 performance to get there. Of note too, he turned the ball over five times as he struggled with the Heat’s pressure defense and committed five fouls.

R.J. Hampton – B

R.J. Hampton was another bright spot for the Orlando Magic. The second-year player has been playing on the wing instead of point guard, and he is playing his role well.

With his blazing speed, Hampton is always a threat to blow by his defender. But this season, he is shooting the three-ball better and picking his spots offensively. He scored 12 points on 4-for-8 shooting from the field and 2 for 3 from three. He grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists.

Hampton can still get caught going a little too fast. But his athleticism and size are proving valuable defensively. That is where he is making his most impact as he has done a good job getting in for steals and making his opponents’ life difficult.

Mo Bamba – C
Wendell Carter – C

The Orlando Magic’s big-man duo of Wendell Carter and Mo Bamba is still a work in progress.

Bamba did not have a good shooing night, but he was active around the rim, notching a few offensive rebounds and getting his hands on passes. He scored 11 points, recorded five rebounds, with two steals and one block.

Carter also did have not have a good shooting game and went 1 for 5 from three, but he was relentless on the offensive and defensive boards. He was the only Magic starter who did not finish in double-digits scoring with only nine points and nine rebounds.

Carter has looked indecisive on the pick-and-pops. The big man has worked to extend his range, but behind the three point-line is still an awkward spot for him. He displayed a glimmer of a post-game last season. So you would like to see the Magic use him more in the paint and give him the ball in a better position to score.

Orlando is young and raw so there will be nights like tonight. But for the Magic to win against superior teams like the Heat, they need to cut back on turnovers and play a more efficient brand of basketball.