NBA Prime Matchup: Stellar Second Half Lifts Orlando Magic Over the Miami Heat
When the Orlando Magic took the court Thursday night to battle the Miami Heat, it was probably not in Coach Stan Van Gundy's game plan to go down by 24 points, but it made for one of the season's most dramatic NBA games, to this point.
The Heat came out firing on all cylinders with Dwyane Wade and LeBron James combining for 47 of the Heat's 63 first-half points, and it appeared the Magic were destined for a tough road loss.
But this one was a tale of two halves, with Orlando coming up big in the clutch.
Trailing by 24 midway through the third quarter, the Magic began an improbable 40-9 run over the next 15 minutes to go up 89-82 in the fourth. Big-time shooting and much improved perimeter defense helped propel the Magic to the second greatest comeback in franchise history.
"I have never been a part of one like that," Van Gundy said. "To do it on the road, that was an incredible win."
Incredible it was, and what was even more impressive was how the Magic were able to get it done.
Dwight Howard, who has averaged more than 27 points per game over his last 10 games, ended up with just 14 points, but the rest of the team stepped up the scoring.
Jason Richardson had his first 20-point game in more than six weeks, connecting on six 3-pointers and jump starting the magical comeback in the third with 11 points.
Ryan Anderson finished with 15 hard earned points, including a couple enormous offensive rebounds late to keep some Magic scoring possessions alive.
Quentin Richardson outplayed starter Hedo Turkoglu, who has been in a slump and could not keep up on the defensive end against LeBron.
Gilbert Arenas nailed clutch three-pointers in the fourth to help silence the Heat, and Jameer Nelson had his second consecutive big outing, dishing out seven assists and scoring 16 points.
"It was about us imposing our will on them. This comeback shows what we're capable of doing when we're zoned in and willing to do it," Nelson said.
The Magic imposed their will on the Heat, including holding Wade and James to a combined 0-8 in the fourth quarter, something the Magic can hang their hats on.
"It was definitely a great showing of resilience by the team," Quentin Richardson said. "We got down against a great team, but we didn't go away."
The Magic must build off this win and keep the momentum rolling, as they have another huge test tonight against the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls are currently third place in the East and are led by MVP candidate Derrick Rose.
