The Miami Heat mounted a dramatic comeback on Monday night, overcoming a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic 125-119 in double overtime. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo led the charge, combining for 56 points, as Miami improved to 10-10 this season without star Jimmy Butler, who was suspended again.
Tyler Herro delivered an outstanding all-around performance, finishing with 30 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds. Bam Adebayo was equally dominant, scoring 26 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists. Kel’el Ware added a strong contribution with 19 points and 10 rebounds, solidifying Miami’s presence in the paint.
The Heat showed resilience throughout the game, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they erased a 12-point deficit with just over six minutes left. A 15-3 run propelled them into overtime, and their defense held firm in the second extra period, where they outscored Orlando 9-3.
Franz Wagner was the standout for Orlando, scoring a team-high 29 points. Paolo Banchero and Tristan da Silva chipped in with 17 points each, but the Magic faltered down the stretch. Orlando fell to 18-2 in games where they held a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, with both losses coming at the hands of Miami.
One bright spot for Orlando was the return of Goga Bitadze, who had been in concussion protocol for six games. Bitadze’s impact was evident, as he posted a plus-21 in his 22 minutes of action. “He’s doing whatever’s necessary to help this team,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said.
The Heat’s comeback marked the first time they rallied from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit in a regular-season game since February 17, 2022, against Charlotte. They have accomplished the feat twice in playoff games since, both against the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023.
This win also marked the end of the Heat’s season series with Orlando, which they split 2-2. Miami has either won or split the season series against the Magic 27 times in their 36-year history.
Bitadze’s return provided a much-needed boost for Orlando, who are now 22-15 with him in the lineup compared to 2-9 without him. Despite their strong record in holding fourth-quarter leads, late-game execution remains a concern for the Magic.
Miami continues to find ways to win despite Butler’s absences, showcasing the depth and determination of their roster. Their ability to rally in critical moments, led by the dynamic duo of Herro and Adebayo, bodes well as they aim to climb in the Eastern Conference standings.
The Magic embark on a five-game West Coast road trip starting Thursday at Portland. The Heat, now 23-22 on the season, will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.