In the first game back from the All-Star break, the Miami Heat beat the Orlando Magic off the back of Jimmy Butler, who had 27 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds. The Heat have now risen above .500 at 19-18, 5th in the East. Meanwhile, the Magic are now 13-24, 14th in the East.
Overview
Jimmy Butler was an all-around threat for the Heat, and Orlando couldn’t stop his 27 point performance. Kelly Olynyk also couldn’t be stopped, racking up 20 points and 7 rebounds, with Bam Adebayo out (knee). Tyler Herro also played an effect in Miami’s win, scoring 17 points from off the bench.
Despite Orlando’s loss, All-Star Nikola Vucevic had a double-double, scoring 24 points and 17 rebounds. Dwayne Bacon also had a season-high 21 points, with Terrence Ross (knee), Evan Fournier (groin), James Ennis (calf) and Cole Anthony (rib) all out.
“This is a game we definitely should have won,” Bacon said. “We can’t keep letting it slip away like this in the fourth quarter.”
Aaron Gordon’s Return
Highflying Magic Forward Aaron Gordon returned from injury in the loss to the Heat. Gordon only played 14 minutes, but put up 9 points and 2 rebounds, coming off a 15-game absence.
Duncan Robinson Struggles Yet Again
Sharpshooting 26-year-old Duncan Robinson continues to struggle. Robinson is only averaging 12.7 PPG, 1.6 APG, and 3.9 RPG in 37 games this season. On Thursday night, Duncan only had 9 points, going 3-12 from the field (all three-pointers).
The Heat Debut Their New Jerseys
The Heat wore their “Trophy Gold” Earned Edition jerseys for the first time on Thursday night. These jerseys were exclusively available to the 16 NBA teams who earned a spot in the 2020 NBA Playoffs, which included Miami.