A game on the road? The second night of a back-to-back? Chris Bosh’s retirement ceremony? The reincarnation of the ‘06 NBA Finals officiating crew, reunited in the fourth quarter with their old pal Dwyane Wade? All of it was no problem for your Orlando Magic, now in sole possession of the Eastern Conference’s eighth and final playoff spot.
It took less than five minutes for Miami to race out to a 14-5 lead, built on the back of decisive drives to the hoop and a zone defense that stymied the Magic’s rhythm. Orlando looked tentative at both ends of the floor, with Jonathan Isaac in particular appearing a little overwhelmed by the moment.