The Miami Heat fought hard, but fell short in a 126-114 loss to the Orlando Magic on Saturday evening.
Miami trailed big early, but ended up leading at points in this game. The Heat was on the second half of a back-to-back, and that showed as this game stretched into OT. While Orlando was able to keep the momentum going, the Heat simply ran out of fumes in the extra five minutes.
The Heat were outscored by the Magic 34-24 in the first quarter, before Miami posted a seven-point advantage in the second frame. Orlando though was unstoppable in overtime and won the extra minutes 18-6. Miami and Orlando were only in OT in the first place, due to the heroics of Jimmy Butler. The veteran sank a three at the buzzer of the regulation to tie up the game.
Besides Butler’s aforementioned magical shot, he led the team once again with 38 points. Butler did all he could to keep Miami in the game, but it just was not enough in the end. Butler added five rebounds, two assists and a steal to his line for good measure in the loss as well.
Kyle Lowry had a solid day off the bench with 12 points and four assists in 36 minutes of action. Lowry was playing in his first game in over a month and his workload is a positive sign going forward.
The Heat will next host the Utah Jazz on Monday at 7:30 P.M.