ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF
The Florida NBA teams had an action packed weekend as the Miami Heat (8-4) took on the Philadelphia 76ers (0-14) and the Orlando Magic (6-7) hosted the Sacramento Kings (5-9).
The Heat defeated the Sixers 96-91 keeping Philly winless while the Magic suffered a loss to the Kings 97-91.
The Magic hosted the Kings but fell short leaving the Magic with more losses than wins so far this season. Orlando had a lead of 65-61 but the Kings were able to outscore the Magic 22-2 in the final five minutes of the 3rd quarter to take an 83-67 lead into the fourth.
In the fourth, Orlando was able to bring Sacramento’s lead down to single digits 80-87 but after Evan Fournier was called for a technical for arguing an offensive foul, the Kings got the lead back up to double digits. Sacramento led by as much as 16 points in the fourth quarter. Forward Tobias Harris led the Magic with 24 points.
Orlando will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers Monday, November 23rd at 7:00. Harris says it will take a big team effort to defend the Cavs.
The Heat and the Sixers battled each other in Miami but the game ended in a disappointing loss for the Sixers. Philly had their biggest lead of the season and were up 11 points half-way through the 4th quarter leaving Philly looking like they were about the achieve their first win of the season. The Heat defense prevailed in the last minutes of the game and held the Sixers without a field goal for a critical 7-minute stretch of the fourth quarter.
The Heat were down 17 points at one point in the game and still trailed 87-76 with just about 7 minutes remaining in the 4th quarter. Miami escaped the deficit by outscoring Philly 19-2. This is the Sixers 24th loss in a row considering the end of the last season.
Top performers for the Heat were Guard Dwayne Wade with 27 points and 4 assists and Forward Chris Bosh with 11 rebounds. With Wade topping 19,000 career points against Philly Bosh says Wade is still a powerful force for the Heat.
The Heat will host the New York Knicks Monday, November 23rd at 7:30.
