The Miami Heat let a double-digit second-half lead slip away in their 2025–26 NBA season opener, falling 125–121 to the Orlando Magic in a high-scoring affair on Wednesday night at the Amway Center..
The game was entertaining from the start, and Miami was on fire offensively — although they had to little to show for it by the end of the quarter when they allowed the home team to storm back into the game. Nikola Jovic had his moments early with a pair of long threes and some nifty passing, but it was Norman Powell who led the Heat in an impressive debut, pouring in 28 points and grabbing 9 rebounds while posting a team-best +12 in 32 minutes. He was efficient and aggressive, providing Miami with an offensive spark off the wing that was needed with Tyler Herro’s absence. Starting point guard Davion Mitchell was another bright spot for the Heat, posting 16 points and dishing out 12 assists.
Andrew Wiggins also had his moments, adding 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting. He chipped in 4 rebounds and finished with a 60.1% true shooting percentage, but more was needed down the stretch.
Despite the offensive output, Miami’s defense faltered late. The Magic imposed themselves, led by Paolo Banchero’s 24 points, outscoring the Heat 14–4 over the final four minutes, keyed by clutch play from Franz Wagner (24 pts, 4 reb, 6 asts) and Desmond Bane, who hit three 3-pointers en route to 23 points in his Orlando debut.
Bam Adebayo struggled with efficiency, finishing with just 15 points (4-13 FG) and 7 rebounds. There were some moments he displayed aggressiveness on offense, but more often than not smothered inside by Orlando’s bigger frontline. Why Erik Spoelstra didn’t give more minutes to Kel’el Ware to counter this, especially with Wendlell Carter Jr. coming through with key clutch plays in the paint late in the game, was a curious one. Jovic’s impact on the game faded quickly and he was targeted on defense and ended the night with a -14 net rating in 22 minutes, with Spoelstra electing to go with an effective Jaime Jaquez Jr., who chipped in 13 points, for the lion’s share of minutes during the second half. Simone Fontecchio also scored 13 points on 6-8 shooting in his Heat debut.
What’s Next?
The Heat continue their road trip and face the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at 8:00pm.