The Orlando Magic erased a 25-point deficit to defeat the Miami Heat 121-114 on Saturday night, matching the largest comeback in franchise history.
Cole Anthony powered the rally with 27 of his 35 points coming in the second half. The guard also added eight rebounds and nine assists, spearheading a furious 37-8 fourth-quarter surge by the Magic.
Orlando’s comeback tied a mark set on November 8, 1989, against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team trailed by 22 entering the final quarter before storming back, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope giving them the lead on a jumper with 2:41 remaining.
Despite missing key players, including Jalen Suggs, Paolo Banchero, and Franz Wagner, Orlando’s depth came through. Goga Bitadze posted a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Caldwell-Pope contributed 24 points.
The game saw its share of adversity for the Magic. Mo Wagner exited in the first quarter with a left knee injury, and Wendell Carter Jr. was ejected before halftime after disputing a goaltending no-call on Miami’s Kel’el Ware.
Miami, playing without Jimmy Butler, faltered in the fourth quarter, hitting just one of its last 15 three-point attempts. Bam Adebayo and Terry Rozier led the Heat with 23 points each, while Tyler Herro chipped in 22.
The Heat dominated early, building a 25-point lead behind solid perimeter shooting and aggressive play. However, their shooting woes in the second half allowed Orlando to mount its comeback.
Anthony sealed the win with a series of clutch plays, including a critical three-pointer and multiple free throws in the final minutes. His performance marked one of the most memorable individual efforts of the season.
The Magic improved to 18-12 on the season, further solidifying their position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The Heat dropped to 13-13, struggling to find consistency amidst injuries and lineup changes.
