Franz Wagner scored 32 points, and Jalen Suggs added 22 to lead the Orlando Magic to a 106-105 victory over the Miami Heat on Friday night at the Kia Center. Bam Adebayo missed a potential game-winning jumper at the buzzer, giving Orlando its seventh win in nine games.
Paolo Banchero returned from a 10-game absence with nine points and six rebounds in 20 minutes, providing the Magic a boost despite limited minutes. Desmond Bane struggled offensively, finishing with five points on 2-of-16 shooting, but Orlando’s balanced attack compensated.
Miami was paced by Norman Powell’s 28 points, including two late layups that kept the Heat within striking distance. Adebayo contributed 24 points and 15 rebounds, while Andrew Wiggins added 13 points and Davion Mitchell scored 10, but the team could not overcome Orlando’s clutch execution.
The game featured back-and-forth scoring, with Orlando building a four-point lead after Suggs’ layup made it 106-101. Miami responded quickly, but the final possession fell to Adebayo, whose missed jumper sealed the narrow defeat.
Orlando shot 35% from three-point range and converted 18 of 24 free throws, while Miami hit 37% of their three-pointers and 67% of free throws. Both teams dominated the boards, with Orlando grabbing 42 rebounds to Miami’s 44, and Orlando forced key turnovers that generated fast-break opportunities.
The Magic’s victory keeps them at 14-9, while the Heat drop to 14-9 after losing three of their last four games. The teams are set to meet again in Orlando on Tuesday for the NBA Cup quarterfinal, adding extra stakes to the closely contested matchup.
Orlando’s bench made notable contributions, with Tyus Jones scoring 13 points and adding six assists, while Goga Bitadze provided eight points and seven rebounds. Miami’s bench produced limited impact, with Simone Fontecchio and Jaime Jaquez Jr. combining for 21 points.
Orlando will visit New York on Sunday, aiming to extend its momentum, while Miami hosts Sacramento on Saturday in search of a rebound.
