MIAMI, (Reuters) – The Orlando Magic stunned the Miami Heat with an inspired second-half comeback on Thursday, overcoming a 24-point deficit with a flurry of three-pointers to secure a thrilling 99-96 victory.
The Magic took control with a frenzied run of 18 straight points in the fourth quarter then staved off a late charge from Miami in the game’s final seconds.
“That one almost defies explanation,” Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said.
“Even six minutes into the second half, we just looked down and out. We didn’t have any way to stop ‘em.
“It was a great comeback. It’s probably one of those games that I’ll remember 10 years from now. When I’ve forgotten everything else except all the losses. This is one win I might remember.”
Orlando, who scored a staggering 48 points from three-point range, had a team-high 24 points from Jason Richardson to move within three and a half games of Miami for the Southeast Division lead.
LeBron James had 29 points and Dwyane Wade added 28 to lead the way for Miami, the duo combining for 47 points as the Heat built a 63-45 lead at halftime.
“We’re being measured right now. We just need to keep pushing through. There’s no other way to say it,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.
“The guys really wanted this one. For most of the game, we played hard enough to get it done and then the tide turned.”
