Insider: Heat Get Revenge in Beating Magic
The Miami Heat were handed their last loss 11 days ago. Seeing as that defeat came at the hands of the Orlando Magic, it was still fresh in memory when both teams took the court in Miami on Sunday.
Using a stifling defense and huge start from Dwyane Wade, the Heat (25-7) got revenge with a 90-78 win. Wade finished with a game high 27, but his 12 first quarter points off 6-8 shooting helped capture the early momentum.
That initial push was enhanced by one of the best Miami defensive efforts all year. After allowing Orlando (20-12) easy looks in their first matchup, the Heat held the Magic to 28.6 percent shooting from the field in the first half and 36.5 percent for the game.
Not only did the Heat limit the Magic’s many perimeter shooters, but also by throwing a bevy of defensive looks at Dwight Howard they were able to keep him at bay. Miami utilized their post players as expected, but also had LeBron James guard the big man at times, and Howard finished with just 12 points.
James was also a big second half scoring factor. He had a dazzling 19 point third quarter and finished just behind Wade with 25 points.
With a day off Monday, the Heat gets back into action Tuesday at home against Sacramento. They will also play the Knicks on Thursday at the American Airlines Arena before the All-Star break.
Tags: Miami Heat, NBA, Orlando Magic
