In a thrilling finish to their fierce Florida rivalry game, the Miami Heat secured a dramatic 89-88 victory over the Orlando Magic thanks to a clutch last-second jumper by Tyler Herro. With just 4.2 seconds remaining and the Heat trailing by one, Herro calmly dribbled into a midrange pull-up and swished it through the net, leaving only 0.5 seconds on the clock for the stunned Magic.
Herro’s Heroics Lift Heat in Final Seconds
Tyler Herro, the young sharpshooter who has made a name for himself with clutch performances, once again delivered when it mattered most. After Orlando’s Goga Bitadze had given the Magic a one-point lead with a layup, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra drew up a play for Herro to create his own shot. The 23-year-old guard did not disappoint, rising up over his defender and draining the go-ahead jumper with ice in his veins.
“Tyler has repeatedly shown the ability to make big shots in big moments. We had full confidence in him to make a play and he delivered like he always does. That’s why he’s one of the best young closers in the league.”
– Erik Spoelstra, Miami Heat Head Coach
The game-winner marked Herro’s third go-ahead basket in the final second of the fourth quarter or overtime in his young career, with two of those daggers already coming this season. He finished the game with a team-high 20 points.
Heat Snap Losing Streak vs Magic
The hard-fought win was especially sweet for the Heat as it snapped a two-game losing streak against their in-state foes this season. Miami had dropped the first two meetings but made sure the third matchup went their way, even with star Jimmy Butler sidelined due to conditioning.
The Magic, who have now lost four of their last six, were on the verge of stealing another victory in the Sunshine State rivalry before Herro’s heroics. The rising stars of Orlando, led by #1 draft pick Paolo Banchero, have given the Heat all they can handle this season, setting the stage for an exciting final meeting in late January.
Heat Troll Magic on Social Media
Not content to simply savor the thrilling win, the Heat social media team decided to rub some salt in the Magic’s wounds. In a Twitter post after the game, the Heat made a not-so-subtle reference to the Magic’s viral TikTok song that they play after each victory.
With the Magic’s home court as the background, the Heat replaced Orlando’s celebratory track with a different tune, showing Tyler Herro manning the DJ booth. The caption read: “The time for Christmas music is over, TURN US UP INSTEAD.”
The time for Christmas music is over, TURN US UP INSTEAD 🔊 #WINNING pic.twitter.com/7tt5r71pmA
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) December 27, 2024
The playful trolling was a response to the Magic’s popular post-win celebration on TikTok, where they tease fans by asking “You wanna hear the song?” before playing their anthem as the comments erupt with “PLAY THE SONG!”
Heat Continue to Rely on Herro in Clutch
With Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Kyle Lowry shouldering a heavy load for the Heat, Tyler Herro’s development into a closer has been a major boost. He earned Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2022 and has only continued to polish his crunch-time credentials.
“As one of the leaders of this team, I live for those big moments, when everything is on the line and the game slows down. I put in the work every day to be ready and earn my teammates’ trust to take and make those shots.”
– Tyler Herro, Miami Heat Guard
Herro’s heroics have the Heat in prime position in a competitive Eastern Conference race. At 21-13, Miami sits just two games out of the top spot as they head into the new year. With a budding superstar like Herro capable of hitting big shots, the Heat remain a serious contender.
Heat-Magic Rivalry Continues to Grow
While the Los Angeles and New York teams get much of the national spotlight, the Florida rivalry between the Heat and Magic has quietly become one of the most entertaining in the league. The young Magic have embraced the challenge of facing the veteran Heat, producing exciting, back-and-forth affairs.
- Magic lead season series 2-1
- Final meeting set for Jan. 27 in Miami
With Herro’s shot providing a signature moment in the matchup, the anticipation will only build for the final regular season clash in late January. The upstart Magic will look to secure the season series, while the Heat aim to even the score and re-establish their state superiority.
As the East playoff picture begins to take shape, these intrastate games could have a major impact on seeding and tiebreakers. Regardless of the stakes, basketball fans can expect more thrilling finishes and social media antics whenever the Heat and Magic share the hardwood.
