Read what stood out most from the Magic’s 99-92 home loss to the Heat.
Vucevic Has His Way
When asked about Nikola Vucevic’s growth as a player before the game, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra joked that he would already be an All-Star if every game had been against Miami last year. Vooch played the role of Heat killer again and exploited Miami’s obvious rebounding deficiencies. With the points and rebounds tonight, Vucevic has a double double in 11 of his 15 games. Some might say that is nothing short of All-Star level production.
More Ben, Less Willie
I have already said on this site and other places many times I prefer a Payton-Oladipo backcourt so that the young duo can have the most opportunities to gel together. Evan Fournier is also a big part of that guard rotation on most nights. Orlando does seem committed to giving Ben Gordon and Willie Green significant minutes though, especially if injuries persist. If I am the Magic, I play Gordon, sit Green and live with any defensive drop-off that comes with it. If Green’s showing against Mario Chalmers tonight was any indication, there may not be much of a dip at all.
Dueling Rookie Point Guards
Elfrid Payton and Shabazz Napier were on prime display and neither player disappointed. One can see though why Payton was the lottery pick and Napier went late in the first round. It looks like Napier will be a good scorer in the NBA, but Payton can and already is so much more. His five steals tonight were just the latest example of his ball hawking defensive abilities.
Heat Keep on Ticking
No one would tell you that the post-LeBron Heat are going to approach anything near what they were with the best player in the world. That said, they still have the structure in place to be a very successful team. Some of their problems (notably post defense) will not be as easily masked with James taking his talents back to Cleveland. Dwyane Wade’s health dictates how far Miami goes in the playoffs. Still, this is a team that is going to scrap with anyone and Spoelstra will put his players in the best positions.
