Knight News Reporter Aleesia Hatcher wrote this article.
The Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat in their season opener at home Wednesday, winning 104-101.
The Magic had a slow start in the first half but came back but still managed to lead at the end of the first half. Orlando ended the night with 37 rebounds, 20 assists, seven steals and seven blocks.
A key stretch on the defensive side of the ball from rookie center Mohammad “Mo” Bamba including him swatting a shot then taking it down to court for a dunk. The rookie finished the night with thirteen points and seven rebounds. He seemed poised in his first NBA regular season game.
“Practice makes the games real easy,” Bamba said after the game.
Aaron Gordon made some key plays tonight, showing that he earned that lucrative contract. He led the team with 26 points. Gordon had 12 rebounds on the defensive side of the ball.
“You can get a win it works and well take it, down the stretch we have to execute offensively and defensively,” Gordon said after the opening night win.
Now, the Magic did have some struggles down the stretch. Late in the 4th quarter with the Miami heat down only four points the heat was able to cut their lead to one. The Magic was able to hand on and get their first win of the Steve Clifford era.
Next up, the Magic take on the Charlotte Hornets at home on Friday.
