Orlando Magic: 3 takeaways from 2017-18 season opener
By Randy Porga
The Orlando Magic were able to start their 2017-18 NBA season off in the right direction with a dominant win over the Miami Heat, 116-109.
The Orlando Magic came away with a fairly smooth 116-109 win over the Miami Heat to start their 2017-18 season, hopefully creating a team identity early on. During the opening minutes, it was fair game back and forth until the Heat began to build momentum late in the first quarter. They outscored the Orlando Magic 37-32 in the first quarter, but would be held to just 41 points through the second and third quarters.
Orlando collectively shot well throughout the game, but most importantly. was able to assert themselves after a poor first quarter and that energy carried them well through the second half.
The Orlando Magic led by as many as 17 points and did so for a majority of the game, playing a balanced and effective game on both ends of the court. As a team, they grabbed 40 rebounds along with 10 blocks and eight steals and looked to be a team capable of winning more then 29 games as opposed to last season.
Evan Fournier led the way with 23 points, Nikola Vucevic chipped in 19 points and 13 rebounds, Aaron Gordon had 14 points and nine boards and Elfrid Payton added 13 points and nine assists.
It is very early to predict anything but the Eastern Conference is already a conference of “wildcards” and in this case, every win counts. This one turned out to be pretty awesome for Magic fans, as the team brought out its best for its season debut.
Here are three takeaways from the Orlando Magic’s season opener for 2017-18 season.