Heat 120, Magic 92
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Forward LeBron James scored 21 points and the Miami Heat won their fifth consecutive game by overwhelming the Orlando Magic 120-92 Wednesday night at Amway Center.
Although the Magic (4-7) led briefly in the first half, the Heat (9-3) dominated most of the game and rested their starters on the bench for the entire fourth quarter.
Center Chris Bosh had 18 points and forward James Jones had 17 for the Heat, who were without All-Star guard Dwyane Wade, who was resting a sore knee for the second consecutive game.
Magic guard Arron Afflalo led everyone with 30 points, his third consecutive game with at least 25. He hit 7 of 9 from 3-point range.
Magic center Nikola Vucevic fouled out with 10:05 remaining, finishing with just six points and six rebounds. In his three games against the Heat last season, Vucevic averaged a surprising 21.7 points and 21 rebounds. The Heat apparently were ready for him this time.
The game was sloppy at both ends. The Heat committed 21 turnovers and the Magic 24. The Heat overcame the turnovers by shooting 51.4 percent from the field (38 of 74) and 62.5 percent from 3-point range (15 of 24).
The Heat led by as many as 22 points in third period, taking a 90-71 lead into the fourth. Jones, who started in place of Wade, had 14 points in the third quarter. He hit a trio of 3-pointers in the first five minutes of the second half, adding a fourth late in the third for an 88-66 lead.
The Heat led 54-49 at intermission, despite an uncharacteristic 13 turnovers. They overcame the sloppiness by making 7 of 9 3-point attempts and all nine of their free throws.
The Heat made their first seven field goal attempts to open a 16-0 lead as the Magic missed their first eight shots. The Magic led once in the first half, 32-31, after four consecutive free throws, including three by guard Jameer Nelson.
Things got heated just before halftime. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra was called for a technical foul after seeing James and forward Chris Andersen both have their shots blocked on the same possession. Both ended up on the floor with no fouls called.
On the next possession, point guard Mario Chalmers and Afflalo received technical fouls for some excessive contact after play had stopped.
Afflalo led everyone with 20 points before intermission. He made 6 of 7 3-point attempts. James had 14 points and five rebounds.
NOTES: Heat G Dwayne Wade missed his second consecutive game with soreness in his knee, although coach Erik Spoelstra didn't seem too concerned. "It was best to wait another day. We wanted to make sure that he's getting better, getting stronger," Spoelstra said before the game. "Just part of the plan." Wade is expected to return Saturday when the two teams meet again in Miami. ... Magic rookie G Victor Oladipo, coming off a nine-turnover performance against Dallas, got his first start Wednesday, replacing PF Jason Maxiell. "He (Oladipo) makes things happen," Spoelstra said. "Some good, some not so good." ... The Magic still were without PF Glen Davis, but he has been practicing and is expected to make his season debut in Miami on Saturday. He hasn't played since Jan. 30 after a pair of surgeries on his left foot. ... The Heat went into the game leading the NBA in assists, field goal percentage and forced turnovers.
