Mateo's Hoop Diary: Heat Lose Season Opener in Orlando
The Heat lost their season opener in Orlando, with one of the major issues being their inability to prevent the Magic from getting to the free throw line, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they made 13 out of 14 attempts.
Norman Powell quickly made an impact for the Heat, providing much-needed firepower. He successfully made deep jumpers and set up plays for Bam Adebayo and Davion Mitchell, helping the Heat take a 23-19 lead.
Meanwhile, Desmond Bane also performed well for the Magic, making jumpers and layups in his first stint with Orlando. The Heat briefly built a 12-point lead with additional 3-point shots, but the Magic increased their intensity, cutting 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 game was closely contested, with the Heat ultimately suffering a narrow loss. Author's summary: Heat lose season opener to Magic.