Mateo's Hoop Diary: Heat Lose Season Opener in Orlando
The Heat lost their season opener in Orlando, with one of the major issues being their inability to stop the Magic from getting to the line, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they made 13 out of 14 attempts.
Norman Powell made a strong impression, providing the Heat with much-needed firepower. He made deep jumpers and set up plays for Bam Adebayo and Davion Mitchell, helping the Heat take a 23-19 lead.
Desmond Bane also performed well for the Magic, making jumpers and layups in his first stint with Orlando. The Heat briefly built a 12-point lead with their 3-point shots, but the Magic increased their intensity and cut the lead to one point by the end of the second quarter.
Norman Powell wasted no time asserting himself with the Heat in desperate need of firepower on night one.
The game was the 10th season opener between the Heat and the Magic.
Author's summary: Heat lose season opener to Magic.