Streak Busters

Miami Heat versus Orlando Magic has been one of the hottest in-state rivalries in the NBA, if you can call one team thoroughly dominating the other a “rivalry.” Because it really hasn’t been much of one at all lately, thanks to Orlando holding a 10-game regular-season winning streak over the...

By Chris Joseph

January 22, 2009

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Miami Heat versus Orlando Magic has been one of the hottest in-state rivalries in the NBA, if you can call one team thoroughly dominating the other a “rivalry.” Because it really hasn’t been much of one at all lately, thanks to Orlando holding a 10-game regular-season winning streak over the Heat. The Magic also has a double-digit lead over Miami in the Southeast Division, holds the second-best record in the Eastern Conference, and has a head coach who boasts a Ron Jeremy mustache. Heat coach Eric Spoelstra, meanwhile, probably hasn’t even started shaving yet.

Still, Orlando’s domination of the Heat has been in large part a product of Dwyane Wade’s absence for four of those games, including two of the last seven. In the teams’ first meeting of the season three weeks ago, Wade poured in 33 points in an 86-76 loss at Orlando. However, once the double-teams shit down D-Wade , the Magic surged to victory. This Saturday at the American Airlines Arena, D-Wade will have to overcome the double-teams, the mustaches, and anything else Orlando throws at him. It’s been known to happen. Tip-off is at 7:30. Tickets range from $10 to $350 and can be purchased at nba.com/heat.
Sat., Jan. 24, 2009

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