You never know what is going to happen in the last NBA regular season game of the year! What more drama can you want?
The battle of Florida took place Sunday night on the hardwood at the Amway Center!
The six-game winning streak for the Miami Heat (53-29) ended as they get beat by the last place Eastern Conference squad; the Orlando Magic (22-60) seized and captured victory, 125-111. Orlando out-rebounded the red hot Heat, 54-52, and just out-hustled on the assist column, 33-20.
Miami’s star Victor Oladipo showcased his scoring talent with 40 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. It wasn’t enough to carry the Heat to victory, though.
Two 21 point tallies by R.J. Hampton and Mo Bamba proved to be differences in this contest. Chuma Okeke answered along the hardwood with 17 points. A win is a win, but it was practically for nothing as the score meant nothing for either teams’ standings.
Recap
As it was the last game of the 2021-22 NBA Regular Season, both teams played their young players so they can get playing time. Javonte Smart had 20 points and Haywood Highsmith finished with 16 points for Miami. Mychal Mulder also chipped in with 11 points for Miami.
For Orlando, Markelle Fultz had a quiet double-double with 10 points and 15 assists. In the meantime, Devin Cannady along with Brazdeikis had 15 point spots for Orlando. Moritz Wagner finished with 14 points and 11 boards. Another difference was Miami’s 50 threes behind the arch, and only 19 of them were converted. Orlando, meanwhile, had a franchise record 23 three-pointers.
Despite the loss, Miami is still playing in the postseason as they will bounce back after the play-ins have concluded. However, Orlando’s season has come to an end. Give them credit for making every game that much more compelling to watch. Hats off to the Magic as we will write, follow, and forecast all of our thoughts about them for many years to come. The Magic are now focused on a busy offseason ahead, which includes a likely-top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.