Mateo's Hoop Diary: Heat Lose Season Opener in Orlando
The Heat suffered a narrow loss in their season opener against the Magic in Orlando, with one of the main issues being their inability to stop the Magic from getting to the free throw 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, including deep jumpers and setting up plays for Bam Adebayo and Davion Mitchell. Meanwhile, Desmond Bane also had a strong start for the Magic, scoring jumpers and layups.
The Heat briefly built a 12-point lead thanks to their 3-point shooting, but the Magic increased their intensity and cut the lead to just one point by the end of the first quarter.
Norman Powell wasted no time asserting himself with the Heat in desperate need of firepower on night one.
- The Heat lost their season opener against the Magic in Orlando.
- Norman Powell had a strong debut with the Heat.
- Desmond Bane also had a notable performance for the Magic.
Author's summary: Heat loses season opener to Magic.