The Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat in their preseason finale, 136-115, extending their winning streak against Miami to eight consecutive games across the preseason and regular season.
Despite missing stars Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Miami jumped out to a 28-17 first-quarter lead. Bobby Portis led the Heat with 10 points in the opening quarter, including Miami’s first five points. Rookie guard Ryan Conwell finished with a team-high 21 points.
Orlando responded in the second quarter, finding its rhythm and taking its second lead of the game at 63-60. The Magic never relinquished the lead and pulled away in the second half after Miami rested its starters.
“You get pressure and have certain things that take place in the game,” Coach Sean Sweeney said. “You have to reset and respond, and you know I think we did a good job of that at times tonight.”
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 24 points, while Desmond Bane added 23 points with seven 3-pointers. Banchero struggled from the field but made his presence felt at the free-throw line, converting 13 of 16 attempts.
“Des got up a lot of good looks from three tonight. Coach Sweeney said. “He did a good job of hunting them, and I thought his aggressiveness was great.”
Sweeney used the preseason finale as a dress rehearsal, starting Orlando’s regular five of Jalen Suggs, Bane, Franz Wagner, Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. in both halves.
Carter picked up three early fouls, prompting Nikola Vucevic to enter the game. Vucevic helped spark a 17-8 Orlando run after the Magic trailed by 11 early. The crowd erupted whenever Vucevic touched the ball as the veteran center returned to Orlando this offseason as a free agent after five seasons away from the franchise.
For Miami, Portis capped a strong preseason with his third double-digit scoring performance. Acquired alongside Antetokounmpo in this offseason’s blockbuster trade, Portis provided an offensive spark throughout the preseason.
Nikola Jovic, alongside Portis, entered the starting lineup and finished with 12 points. After being benched by coach Erik Spoelstra last season, Jovic put together a strong preseason, averaging 10.4 points per game.
“Niko has had a great training camp. He’s done it first and foremost with his effort,” Spoelstra said. “You can see the versatility and the things that he can do for our basketball team.”
It was a difficult night for Klay Thompson, who went 0-for-7. Miami signed the four-time NBA champion this offseason, but he has struggled throughout the preseason, shooting 26.9% from the field.
Orlando also dealt with three injury concerns. Forward Franz Wagner left the game with right shoulder soreness, Noah Penda exited in the first quarter with right hamstring tightness, and Jase Richardson was ruled out with lower back soreness. Coach Sweeney did not have any information after the game, but said that they will be reevaluated.
The Heat finished the preseason 3-2 and will turn their attention to the regular season. With several new faces on the roster, Spoelstra used Miami’s five preseason games to evaluate the revamped lineup before the games begin to count.
“These last 20 days have been very productive for our basketball team,” Spoelstra said. “I’m encouraged with the direction we’re going. I think everyone’s ready to get started on Wednesday.”
Meanwhile, Orlando will open the regular season Wednesday at the Kia Center against the Atlanta Hawks. Miami will return home to prepare for its regular-season opener Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.