Heat Win 125-119 in 2OT Comeback Fashion Against the Magic

Miami, FL – After taking control for most of the 1st quarter, the Miami Heat seemed to have lost their grip on the game. Trailing 103-91 with 6:27 to go, the Orlando Magic had a 96.4% winning probability. Down but not out, the Heat in comeback fashion had a remarkable 17-3 run to retake the lead. The Magic, however, tied the game on the next shot attempt at 108, courtesy of a layup which essentially took this one to overtime. The first overtime saw the Magic jump out to a strong 116-110 lead, but the Heat went on another run by scoring three straight baskets in the paint to close off the period. In double overtime, Orlando ran out of magic and the Heat went on to win 125-119 in comeback fashion.

Before the game

In a wild turn of events, Jimmy Butler had been the talk of the afternoon once again. Earlier, Butler was slated to play following his brief two-game suspension. A few short hours later, he got suspended for a third time. This time, for leaving the team’s shootaround following the announcement that he was going to be replaced by Haywood Highsmith in the starting lineup.

#JimmyButler has been suspended yet again for five games after walking out of the team’s shootaround when learning that he wasn’t going to be in the starting lineup

The #Heat are calling this suspension indefinite

— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) January 27, 2025

Double-double performances all around

Undoubtedly, Tyler Herro was the player of this game with 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 12 assists. In fact, it was arguably his best game of the season so far. the Herro is having himself an All-Star-worthy season, averaging a career-high in points (24.1), rebounds (5.6), and assists (5.4).

Another 30-piece from Tyler and the shot to ice the game. Cold. pic.twitter.com/cY0KSkxetQ

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 28, 2025

Bam Adebayo was an assist shy from having his second triple-double of the season. He finished the night with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists. He showcased some highlight-worthy dunks, including what became the game-winning basket.

Bam was on another level tonight 📈 pic.twitter.com/sG12xMrkTA

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 28, 2025

Kel’el Ware has continued to shine in his promotion to the starting lineup. He scored 19 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and was 4-for-4 in 3-point attempts. Vegas has him listed with the highest betting odds to win NBA Rookie of the Year at +140.

Can we talk about Kel'el for a second? 👀 pic.twitter.com/7CUciy9yU1

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 28, 2025

This was the first time since January 2023 that the Heat had three players reach the double-double mark in a game.

Heat showing resiliency

The Heat and Magic split the season series 2-2. This season’s Sunshine State battle has been one of the more memorable ones in recent history. Each game has felt like a playoff match. To date, both Floridian teams have only faced each other once in the playoffs back in 1997. The Heat wound up winning that series 3-2.

Coach Spoelstra said after the game,

“What it means right now is just that we proved to ourselves we have a tremendous amount of grit, and you gain confidence from that. Last time we played Orlando, it was the same type of thing. We had to totally gut it out, and there were so many inspiring defensive plays down the stretch.”

Retaking control of the Southeast Division

The 23-22 Heat control their destiny of 1st place in the Southeast Division. The Magic had previously held that spot for most of the season.

The #Heat are now 23-22 and sit in 1st place in the Southeast Division for the first time since November 4th

They have also climbed up to 6th place in the Eastern Conference

— Ricardo Urrusuno (@RickScores) January 28, 2025

Looking ahead, the Miami Heat will face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM at the Kaseya Center and can be seen on FanDuel Sports Network.