Heat fall 125-121 to Magic in season opener

ORLANDO — The Miami Heat rallied and led late but surrendered a four-minute surge and lost their season opener to the Orlando Magic 125-121 on Wednesday night at the Kia Center, dropping Miami to 0-1 to begin the regular season.

The Heat held an eight-point lead with 7:49 remaining in the fourth quarter but scored just 12 points the rest of the way while the Magic closed on a 24-12 run. Orlando capitalized on offensive rebounds and late free throws, including two decisive putbacks and free throws by center Wendell Carter Jr. in the final minute, to seal the win. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner each scored 24 for the Magic, and newcomer Desmond Bane added 23.

Miami produced an up-tempo offensive look for much of the game, attacking the paint and pushing the pace, but the push produced turnovers and poor late-game execution. The Heat committed seven turnovers in the final 8:58 that led to 10 Magic points. The team also surrendered multiple offensive rebounds in the fourth, which contributed to Orlando’s comeback.

Norman Powell led Miami with 28 points in his Heat regular-season debut. Andrew Wiggins scored 18 and Bam Adebayo finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Guard Davion...