The Miami Heat began the Post-Wade Era with a 108-96 point win over the in state rival Orlando Magic. Center Hassan Whiteside led the way with a fierce performance for the Heat with 18 points, 14 rebounds and four blocks, Goran Dragic added 16 points on route to a double digit victory at the Amway Center.
Miami dominated Orlando in the paint scoring 74 of their 108 down low. The new look Heat are without both Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh this season, and are in search of their new identity. Tonight was a step in the right direction.
Both Justise Winslow and Tyler Johnson scored 15 points. They are of the faces in Miami’s new youth movement, and are key to their success in the future.
For the Magic, Nikola Vucevic finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Evan Fournier contributed 20 points, while newly acquired big man, Serge Ibalka dropped in 14 points. But they were no match for the aggressive young Miami Heat.
Miami took control midway through the 3rd going up 66-58 and they never looked back.
The Heat have their home opener Friday October 28th against the Charlotte Hornets, while the Magic take an early three game road trip starting off against the Detroit Pistons.
