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Orlando Magic’s Banchero Dazzles with 33 Points in NBA Season Opener Against Miami Heat

Paolo Banchero gave a spectacular performance with 33 points and 11 rebounds in Wednesday night’s NBA season opener, leading the Orlando Magic to a commanding 116-97 victory over the Miami Heat. Franz Wagner contributed 23 points, while Gary Harris chipped in with 18, all from beyond the arc.

Orlando Magic’s Sharpshooting Dominates the Game

The Magic showed their prowess from long range, making 18 of their 49 attempts. This is a clear indication of the team’s evolving strategy, with a more pronounced emphasis on 3-point shots this NBA season. Last year, Orlando had a league-low 903 triples, but this opening game indicates a potential shift in their offensive strategy.

Miami Heat’s Celebration Marred by Loss

The Miami Heat marked the night with a halftime ceremony celebrating “Pat Riley Court”, but the jubilation was short-lived. Terry Rozier was the top scorer for the Heat with 19 points, followed by Nikola Jovic with 15 and Tyler Herro contributing 14. However, the Heat couldn’t keep up with the Magic’s offensive onslaught, trailing by as much as 32 points in the second half.

A Third Quarter to Remember for Orlando Magic

The Magic’s dominance was particularly evident in the third quarter, outscoring the Heat by a whopping 21 points, 39-18. This was the most one-sided third quarter on the road for the Magic since their 2010 game against Boston, where they outscored the Celtics by 25 points, paving the way for a 96-89 victory.

Banchero Joins Elite Company with Impressive Scoring

With his 33-point performance, Banchero joined the likes of Tracy McGrady, Shaquille O’Neal, Nick Anderson, and Anfernee Hardaway, who have all scored 30 or more points in a season opener for the Magic. Banchero’s performance puts him third on this prestigious list.

Next Games on the NBA Schedule

The Orlando Magic will play their home opener Friday night against the Brooklyn Nets. Meanwhile, the Miami Heat will take to the court on Saturday night in Charlotte. Stay tuned for more NBA action.