Victor Oladipo goes off for 40(!) in loss to the Magic

The Miami Heat visited in-state rivals Orlando Magic at the Amway Center for the final game of the regular season. The Heat entered this game on a season high six game winning streak and have already claimed the first seed in the Eastern Conference. The Heat were unable to continue that streak as they lose to the Magic 125-111 and finish the regular season with an impressive 53-29 record.

The Heat were without most of their regular rotation players and got major minutes from players like Haywood Highsmith, Mychal Mulder and Javonte Smart. We even saw over 20 minutes from Udonis Haslem, so you know head coach Eric Spoelstra was resting his guys for the upcoming playoffs. However, the player that needs to be talked about from this game is Victor Oladipo! He finished with a game-high 40 points to go along with 10 rebounds, seven assists and two steals to show off his all-around game.

I’m sure I wasn’t the only person that had a feeling that this could be a good Dipo game with all the major rotation players missing. He was the best creator on the team by a mile and he was comfortable from the get go scoring in a variety of ways. Though he had a few careless turnovers I was impressed with the playmaking Oladipo showed. He would often have the handling and quickness to get by his initial defender and kick it out to the open man when he draws the second defender. When it comes to playoff impact I am honestly looking primarily at his point of attack defense and playmaking abilities. I don’t expect him to be a big part of the rotation, but if the Heat are looking for spark that is what I would love to see from him. It just adds such a different dynamic off the bench for this team.

Despite the final score, this game was a back and forth contest, but unfortunately the lack of shot creation on the Heat side caught up with them. Not even the 40 points from Oladipo could overcome a franchise record tying 23 made threes from the Magic. They got five threes from both Chuma Okeke and Mo Bamba and four a piece from RJ Hampton and Devin Cannady. Markelle Fultz also had the best game of his season with 10 points and a career high 15 assists on the night.

Before I wrap this up I want to give a shout out to Javonte Smart. He was the only other player with a Heat jersey on that played with a sense of aggression on the offensive end. He got to the spots he wanted and made something happen. He finished with 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting and five rebounds. Plus, his effort on the defensive side of the ball is definitely there, which is the perfect combination for a two-way contract for next season. Make it happen, Pat.

Overall, this game was competitive for three quarters and then the Heat ran out of gas, but now we get ready for the 2022 White Hot Playoffs!!