Orlando Magic’s Dominating Debut: A Masterclass by Banchero and Wagner

Paolo Banchero delivered an electrifying performance with 33 points and 11 rebounds while Franz Wagner chipped in with 23 points, propelling the Orlando Magic to a 116-97 triumph over the Miami Heat in both teams’ season opener. Gary Harris made significant contributions with 18 points, all from beyond the arc, for Orlando.

Magic’s Mastery from Three-Point Range

The Magic demonstrated their proficiency from 3-point territory, successfully netting 18 out of their 49 attempts. This impressive shooting performance underscores their reinforced focus on the 3-point game, as evidenced by their 27 attempts before halftime, surpassing last season’s first-half record of 23. Despite finishing last season with a league-low of 903 three-pointers, the team’s renewed commitment to the long-range game was evident in their opening performance.

Heat’s Struggles Continue on Special “Pat Riley Court” Night

For the Heat, Terry Rozier managed 19 points, Nikola Jovic added 15, and Tyler Herro contributed 14. However, it was a disappointing night for the team, particularly for Jimmy Butler, who managed only three points from a poor 1-for-8 shooting performance from the field. This marked only the fifth time in Butler’s career that he played at least 24 minutes and scored three points or less.

Third-Quarter Thrashing: Magic’s Key Moment

The Magic seized control of the game in the third quarter, outscoring the Heat by a staggering 21 points (39-18). This marked their most dominant third quarter on the road since their 25-point outburst against Boston on February 7, 2010, leading to a 96-89 victory.

Historic Scoring by Banchero

Banchero’s 33-point performance places him third in the Magic’s record books for scoring at least 30 points in a season opener, behind Tracy McGrady (twice), Shaquille O’Neal, Nick Anderson, and Anfernee Hardaway. Anderson (1992) and O’Neal (1993) hold the franchise’s opening night record with 42 points each.

Upcoming Games for Both Teams

Next, the Orlando Magic are set to host Brooklyn in their home opener on Friday night, while the Miami Heat will face off against Charlotte on Saturday night.