NOTES & QUOTES
Heat Starting Five: Antonio Snow, Mikal Bridges, Josh Richardson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Hassan Whiteside
Summary: These two teams haven’t seen each other since Miami eliminated Orlando in the first round of the playoffs last season. Despite key changes in the roster, the Heat came into this one with a perfect record, while the Magic’s struggles continue. Orlando was without Nassir Little tonight as he was down with a sprained ankle. Kyrie Irving came out on fire in the first three quarters of this game, keeping Orlando afloat as the game was tied at 53 by halftime. Miami’s held a 10 point lead in the middle of the quarter, but the bench players had blown it with less than two minutes left before the final quarter began. Irving had already scored 36 points going 7 of 12 from beyond the arc when Antonio Snow turned up the defensive intensity. Irving went 0 for 6 from the field in the fourth quarter as Miami pushed on to another victory. The Heat lost Mikal Bridges early in the fourth quarter as he and Markelle Fultz got tangled up as Bridges was landing after shooting a jump shot.
Antonio Snow on locking up Kyrie in the fourth quarter: Coach just kind of gave me a look at the end of the third quarter and I knew that I needed to try and slow him down. He had 36 at that point. I just made up in my mind that he wasn’t going to score another basket.
Erick Spoelstra on Mikal Bridges’ injury: It’s definitely a blow to the team. We’re not sure how long he’ll be out, but we are wishing him a speedy recovery. He was able to walk off with some help, so hopefully, he’ll be back in action soon.
Top Performers
Miami Heat
Antonio Snow – 32 PTS, 2 REB, 10 AST
Hassan Whiteside – 17 PTS, 12 REB
Mikal Bridges – 16 PTS, 3 REB, 3 AST
Orlando Magic
Kyrie Irving – 36 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST
Mo Bamba – 13 PTS, 7 REB, 2 AST, 2 STL
Jonathan Isaac – 12 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST