The Miami Heat opened up American Airlines Arena in unexpected fashion.

Round one of the battle for Florida supremacy went in favor of Erik Spoelstra and his ‘Big Three’, as the Heat trounced the Orlando Magic, 96-70.

Although Miami is rightfully noted for the offensive talent of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, it was their stifling defense that was most impressive in Friday night’s win.  The Heat held the Magic to just 30% field goal shooting, which is not an easy task to do.  Orlando’s offense is centered around super-stud Dwight Howard, and his ability to overpower any single defender that the opposition can throw his way.  Howard, who has put in much work with one of the best centers in NBA history, Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, looked to have more fluid moves while working in the low post.  But although Howard can put up good points and rebounds on a nightly basis, Stan Van Gundy’s crew is at its best when Howard’s dominance forces their foes to double-team him. 

In its opening game of the season, the Magic bullied the Washington Wizards – beating them by 29 points.  And the game didn’t even seem thatclose.  The Magic shot 56% from the floor on mostly an assortment of layups, dunks and uncontested three-point attempts.  Howard was able to have his way in the paint, and found many open teammates on kickout passes.  The result – ball reversal, and another easy field goal.

That scenario would be ideal for Orlando, as it opens to flood gates for their three-point threats to get involved.  But if their opponents are able to control the game without giving Howard extra attention, Orlando becomes a one-dimensional team – and players like J.J. Redick, Rashard Lewis and Quentin Richardson lose their effectiveness.  This is precisely what happened in last season’s playoffs when the Boston Celtics’ Kendrick Perkins was able to withstand Howard’s bruising strength, rendering the rest of the Magic as bystanders.  Against the Heat, the aforementioned trio shot 1-18, including 0-11 from three-point range…contributing to 4-24 effort from deep for the visitors.

Miami's 'Big Three' gave their fans a lot to cheer about last night.

And the two players who could seemingly create something off the bounce – Vince Carter and Jameer Nelson – were easily contained by on-time defensive rotations and well-controlled close outs.  The Heat’s allowed its athleticism to either beat the Magic players to their spots, or to move them from their spots. 

But last night’s defensive effort was just the capper on three great performances in the new season.  Miami is holding opponents to 40.3% FG shooting, and they are forcing three more turnovers than giveaways per game.  While the offensive chemistry may remain a work in progress, the Heat are working hard on the end of the court where effort and intensity are critical to success.

If nothing else, this win proves that the Heat were rightly regarded as legitimate championship contenders. 

The Magic, on the other hand, have to wonder if they are good enough to be second banana in the Southeast Division – with the Heat, Magic and the Atlanta Hawks all expected to compete for home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

And if the Hawks were watching the Magic on Friday night, November 8th’s matchup will go a long way toward the determination of the divisional pecking order.

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