Warmth Blow Large Lead, Collapse In Embarrassing Vogue

The Miami Warmth (13-13) fell again to .500 after a shocking 121-114 highway loss to the Orlando Magic (18-12).

Right here’s a have a look at 4 main takeaways from the matchup:

1. Miami Warmth late recreation struggles present up once more.

The Warmth held a 25-point lead in the course of the third quarter. The indicators of a collapse ought to have been obvious when the Magic lower the result in 10. Miami’s offensive dry spell appeared over after they led 106-84 coming into the ultimate quarter.

Then got here an unimaginable Magic rally. Orlando outscored Miami 37-8 over the ultimate 12 minutes, sealing one other crushing Warmth loss.

2. Terry Rozier had his finest recreation of the season regardless of the loss. 

Rozier’s extended offensive struggles aren’t any secret, and he is spent the final month coming off the bench. Nevertheless, he regarded sharp Saturday night time and completed as one of many Warmth’s shiny spots. Rozier tallied 23 factors, 5 rebounds, and two assists on 53.3 % capturing.

3. Kel’el Ware took benefit of taking part in time and had a stable efficiency. 

Saturday night time marked Ware’s first recreation again following a G League stint. The No. 15 decide had a promising efficiency in opposition to the Magic, ending with eight factors and 7 rebounds in 14 minutes. Extra importantly, Ware added two blocks for a Warmth group struggling to offer rim safety. 

4. Tyler Herro’s offensive manufacturing dried up within the fourth quarter. 

After three robust quarters, Herro couldn’t pull Miami out of their offensive stoop within the fourth quarter. He completed with 22 factors, six rebounds, and 5 assists on 41.2 % capturing and 33.3 % from three-point vary. Herro missed Jimmy Butler’s gravity, demanding consideration from the protection because the Magic primarily centered on him when he checked again into the sport within the fourth quarter. 

Bryan Townes is a contributor to Miami Warmth On SI. He may be reached at btownesjr@gmail.com or on X @bryantownesjr11. Observe our protection on Fb.