Paolo Banchero opened the 2024-25 NBA season with a dominant performance, leading the Orlando Magic to a 116-97 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. Banchero recorded 33 points and 11 rebounds, helping Orlando cruise to a decisive victory in the season opener for both teams.
The Magic were in control throughout, leading by as many as 32 points in the second half. Banchero, the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year, set the tone early, shooting 12-for-24 from the field and 5-for-6 from the free-throw line.
Franz Wagner also contributed significantly for Orlando, scoring 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting. Wagner’s all-around play further solidified the Magic’s dominance, especially during the third quarter, where they outscored Miami 39-18. It marked the Magic’s most lopsided third quarter on the road since 2010.
Gary Harris was a key contributor off the bench for Orlando, scoring 18 points, all from beyond the arc. The Magic attempted 49 three-pointers, making 18 of them, a clear indication of their shift toward a more perimeter-oriented offense this season.
Miami struggled to keep pace, despite a 19-point effort from Terry Rozier and 15 points from Nikola Jovic. Jimmy Butler had a particularly off night for the Heat, managing just three points on 1-for-8 shooting. It was one of the worst performances of Butler’s career in terms of scoring.
Orlando’s defense also stifled Miami’s attack, holding the Heat to just 39% shooting from the field and 32.4% from three-point range. The Magic’s rebounding advantage was crucial, as they grabbed 57 boards compared to the Heat’s 41.
The second half belonged to Orlando, as they extended their lead and never allowed Miami to mount a serious comeback. Banchero’s 33 points marked the sixth time in Magic franchise history that a player scored at least 30 in a season opener, putting him in elite company alongside Tracy McGrady, Shaquille O’Neal, Nick Anderson, and Anfernee Hardaway.
