Mateo's Hoop Diary: Heat Lose Season Opener in Orlando
The Heat suffered a narrow loss in their 10th season opener against the Magic in Orlando.
One of the major issues was the Heat's inability to stop the Magic from getting to the free throw line, with 14 attempts in the fourth quarter, resulting in 13 made shots.
Norman Powell quickly made an impact, providing the Heat with much-needed firepower. He made deep jumpers and set up plays for Bam Adebayo and Davion Mitchell, helping the Heat take a 23-19 lead.
Desmond Bane also had a strong start for the Magic, making jumpers and layups. The Heat briefly built a 12-point lead with several 3-pointers, but the Magic increased their intensity and cut the lead to 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.
Author's summary: Heat lose season opener to Magic.