Mateo's Hoop Diary: Heat Lose Season Opener in Orlando
The Heat suffered a narrow loss in their season opener against the Magic in Orlando.
One of the key issues was the Heat's inability to stop the Magic from getting to the free throw line, with 14 attempts in the fourth quarter, making 13 of them.
Norman Powell's Impact
Norman Powell made a strong debut with the Heat, providing 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.
He drained deep jumpers and set up Bam Adebayo on a screen roll and Davion Mitchell on a drive-and-kick play in the first five minutes.
Desmond Bane also had a strong start for the Magic, making jumpers and layups. The! Heat built a brief 12-point lead with more 3-point shots, but the Magic increased their intensity, cutting the lead to one point by the end of the first quarter.
Author's summary: Heat lose season opener to Magic.