In a game that will go down in Orlando Magic history, the team erased a 25-point deficit to defeat the Miami Heat 121-114 on Saturday night. Sparked by a second-half explosion from Cole Anthony, who scored 27 of his 35 points in the final two quarters, the Magic tied their largest comeback in franchise history, a record set on Nov. 8, 1989, against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Magic faced a daunting 22-point deficit entering the fourth quarter but orchestrated a jaw-dropping 37-8 run to stun the Heat. Anthony added eight rebounds and nine assists to his impressive night, delivering a signature performance in front of an electrified home crowd.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in 24 points, including a clutch jumper to give Orlando the lead with 2:41 remaining. Goga Bitadze, stepping up in a depleted frontcourt, contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds.
The Magic overcame significant adversity, losing center Mo Wagner to a knee injury in the first quarter and Wendell Carter Jr. to an ejection before halftime. Despite these setbacks, Orlando displayed resilience and relied on their bench to secure the remarkable victory.
Bam Adebayo and Terry Rozier led Miami with 23 points each, while Tyler Herro added 22. The Heat were without star forward Jimmy Butler and faltered down the stretch, missing 14 of their last 15 three-point attempts. Miami’s offense, which had been efficient through three quarters, went ice-cold in the fourth, scoring only eight points.
The comeback victory highlighted the team’s depth and grit. Despite missing key players—including guard Jalen Suggs, who was a late scratch with an ankle injury—the Magic found a way to rally. The team’s resilience was epitomized by Anthony’s second-half heroics and Caldwell-Pope’s veteran poise.
Without Butler to guide them, the Heat struggled to maintain composure under pressure. A promising start evaporated in the fourth quarter as the team’s offense fell apart, costing them a crucial road win.
Miami started hot from beyond the arc, making eight of their first 17 three-pointers, but finished an abysmal 9-for-31 after a cold stretch in the second half. Caldwell-Pope’s short jumper with 2:41 remaining gave Orlando its first lead since the opening minutes, completing the comeback and shifting momentum for good.
The Heat will host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday, looking to rebound from the tough loss. Meanwhile, the Magic will face a stern test as they host the Boston Celtics.
Saturday’s comeback victory could serve as a pivotal moment for the Magic, a team showing the promise and determination to make waves this season.
