Without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, the Miami Heat took the court against the Orlando Magic, suffering a 136-115 loss in their final preseason game. The absences of the two big stars significantly shifted the balance for the Florida team, while Orlando put on a very strong offensive display and wrapped up its preseason with yet another convincing performance.
The Magic dished out 31 assists and went 17-for-43 from three-point range, reaffirming the emphasis they’ve placed on ball movement throughout the preseason. Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 24 points, while Desmond Bane scored 23 on 7-of-12 shooting from three-point range in 24 minutes. Franz Wagner added 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists before leaving the game in the third quarter with discomfort in his right shoulder.
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For Miami, Ryan Conwell took advantage of his increased playing time and stood out with 21 points. Andrew Wiggins scored 13, while Bobby Portis and Nikola Jović each added 12. The Heat were unable to keep up with their opponents’ offensive pace, especially since they were missing two players who have a decisive impact on both their offense and defense.
For Orlando, this was yet another positive sign ahead of the start of the regular season, with the team finishing its four preseason games averaging 32 assists—one of the top performances of the preseason. The Magic are now turning their attention to their season opener against the Atlanta Hawks, while Miami is wrapping up its final preseason games.
NBA Preseason
Results: Detroit Pistons vs. Toronto Raptors 129-125
Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks 127–128
Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat 136–115
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics 120–125
Chicago Bulls vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 133-116
Dallas Mavericks vs. Atlanta Hawks 111–135
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Charlotte Hornets 116-98
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Washington Wizards 107-106
San Antonio Spurs vs. Sacramento Kings 126-97
Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers 128-118
Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz 116-119
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets 106-121
*Photo source: AP
