Magic Beat Heat Behind Stout Defense in Franz Wagner's Return

The Orlando Magic pulled out a big win against their Sunshine State rival in the Miami Heat.

Jeremy Brener | Jan 21, 2024

Magic Beat Heat Behind Stout Defense in Franz Wagner's Return /

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ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is back on top after a 105-87 win against the Miami Heat on Sunday night at the Kia Center.

After the Heat beat the Magic in a defensive-minded game earlier this month, it was clear points were going to be hard to come by in this one.

Nikola Jovic Franz Wagner Heat — Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

The Magic held the Heat to just 19 points in the first quarter and although things were close throughout the first half, Orlando broke open the bank in the third quarter to take a double-digit lead that the team would hold on to for the remainder of the game.

The Magic also received a boost from the return of Franz Wagner, who played his first game since Jan. 3 after missing the last eight contests with a sprained ankle.

Markelle Fultz and Wendell Carter Jr. also returned to the starting lineup, marking the first time the Opening Night starters have begun the game since Oct. 31 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Magic's Franz Wagner 'Super Impressed' With Paolo Banchero

All five starters finished in double figures, Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Wagner scored 19 points in his return.

For Miami, Bam Adebayo led all scorers with 22 points while grabbing 11 rebounds for a double-double.

The Magic has a quick turnaround, returning to the floor tomorrow night to host the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

Published Jan 21, 2024

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.