Early in the third quarter of the Miami Heat’s season opener Oct. 26 against the Orlando Magic, Elfrid Payton drove down the lane and released a layup attempt. Hassan Whiteside jumped and cuffed the ball in mid-air, igniting a Heat fast break. Three seconds later, Goran Dragic had made a layup on the other end of the floor.
It was just the type of play Miami will need to make some noise this season. And it was just the type of play the earned the Heat their sixth consecutive opening night win.
Miami dominated the second half against the hosting Orlando Magic Wednesday night, building up a 19-point lead several times before holding on to a 108-96 victory.