REACTION: Heat SQUANDER Powell’s BIG NIGHT With Late Mistakes in Season Opener Against Magic
The Miami Heat opened their season with a thrilling but tough loss to the Orlando Magic, and there’s plenty to unpack.
In this episode of Locked on Heat, Wes Goldberg and David Ramil break down Miami’s offensive improvements, late-game rebounding issues, and standout performances from Norm Powell and Davion Mitchell. Wes and David analyze what went wrong in the fourth quarter, why Bam Adebayo’s quiet night mattered, and what Eric Spoelstra’s lineup decisions reveal about this year’s team identity. With a faster pace, smarter decision-making, and new energy in the backcourt, the Heat may be building toward something exciting despite the loss. Tune in for expert postgame insights from two credentialed Heat media members who cover the team every day.
00:00 – Intro
01:00 – Crunch Time Issues
07:30 – Norm Powell’s Breakout Performance
14:30 – Davion Mitchell’s Playmaking and Fit
17:00 – Bam Adebayo’s Disappointing Night
26:00 – Listener Questions: Should Ware Have Closed the Game?
30:30 – Why This Loss Still Brings Hope
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34 Comments
Bam’s value is max player money, he has to take over. He doesn’t have a post game so that’s hard to do.
Dru Smith was getting score on every time he didn't earn a rotation spot butbthey insis on playing him
GO MAGIC!
Niko is a PAID starter and yahll still don't drag him. You and other stans drag ware but got nothing for your darling. SHAME
Fun game almost won? Guys good teams play down to their oponnent and then win in clutch time…We saw the Big Three Heat do it for years
And guess what defense gets worse when Herro returns
Guys this is the Bam experience this is who he is as a defensive role player…Cannot get another Max contract
Nico preseason Euroball hype over done again….Shocker!
Spo is too comfortable that’s why he chooses to fuck up the game like this, Fontecchio was playing like a gem and he has the nerves to sub the guy for Niko who was nowhere to be seen I’m tired of this small ball crap and Bam silly turn overs
If Spo doesn't trust Ware we wasted a first round pick…Maybe Spo needs to have final sign off with draft selections
It felt like mostly everything went right for the Heat & their role players were redlining just to stay alive. While the Magic had another gear considering the fact that Paolo & Suggs (1st game in almost a year) were struggling. The Heat desperately need Herro back before all this gets ugly.
Hot Take: This season will make the Heat realize they have to trade Bam because of his max contract and the growth of Jovic & Ware.
Bam wasn't guarding Wendall for most of the game and It was only towards the end. Jovic then Jaquez(why Spo?) was on Wendall and Bam was on Paolo
Please resign powell
They can’t rid of hero and powell then you have no guard
Max Player Bam is a md-tier roll player
Everyone blame bam but remember all you all wanted to start Jokic and he was not that great the rebounding was terrible and Jokic can never get 10 rebounds a game
Great game bye Powell and Davion Mitchell
Kel el ware was playing on a injured ankle
Jokic has to get at least 10 rebounds a game 5 years in this league bra get 10 rebounds 😂😂 sad
Scoring up, but similar end result.
The problem not the back court now it’s the front court when Ware goes on the bench
These lineups are ass…
Blame the coach….we went small when it mattered most.
That last two minutes of the game starting lineup was awful. Couldn’t rebound if their life dependent on it.#Ware Needs To Play
I'm sure Ware needs to get better in some areas, but if he's not seeing impactful minutes in games where his +/- is positive & where we need him to make an impact, I'm not sure if you look to sign a rookie extension here. Let Spo play his small ball & go somewhere where you can flourish. We did play with a much better pace. Bam is getting better at keeping momentum & not picking up his dribble to pivot. Definitely encouraging.
Kalel was questionable? Apperantely Ware had a ankle sprain but was cleared to play pregame. Spo gets a marginal pass. 🤦🏻♂️
it's time to trade bam. We should start ware and jovic and lean into the youth.
Considering Bam and Ware Never played together It’s safe to say this loss is on Spo😢
U guys say U know NP, so
Why didn't the front office lock him up?
This Magic fan has to admit I underestimated the Heat. Powell was even better than I expected. We are a top rebounding team and that showed in the 4th quarter.
Bam proved in this last game that he does not deserve his max contract! 😂
Powell and Mitchell are the bright spots. Wiggins continues to be that underwhelming player that he is.
Calm down it's 1 of 82 games news flash you'll weren't going 82-0