Almost three and a half weeks of the preseason elapsed before doctors finally pronounced Aaron Gordon fully healed from a fractured jaw and cleared him for full-contact work.
Judging by his preseason debut Tuesday night, the wait may have been worth it.
Gordon played energetic defense, made decisive cuts on offense and gave the Orlando Magic a badly needed jolt of energy in a 95-92 overtime exhibition win over the Miami Heat at Amway Center.
Gordon demonstrated his potential on both sides of the ball during a 15-second span late in the first quarter.
First, Gordon altered a jumper by the Heat's Gerald Green, prompting Green to miss.