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Denton: Magic vs. Heat Analysis (1/4/14)

Josh Cohen
Digital News Manager

Lewis, who played in Orlando from 2007-11 and became the first power forward in NBA history to lead the NBA in 3-pointers made in 2008, looked like he was back at home on Saturday night. He hit six of 11 shots and three of six 3-point shots. He topped his previous season high of 11 points by the midpoint of the second quarter.

``He is one of my good friends and he still can shoot the ball. You never forget how to shoot the ball,’’ said Nelson, who shot the ball well himself with 21 points and five 3-pointers. ``Give those (Miami) guys over there credit for continuing their game plan. When we made a run, they made adjustments.’’

Orlando (10-23) lost a third straight game. The Magic played inspired basketball in the first half and actually led 57-54 minutes into the third period before Miami (25-8) swung the game with a 19-2 spurt.

``I tried to use all of my timeouts,’’ Magic coach Jacque Vaughn said. ``That’s obviously a quality (Miami) team, a championship-caliber team. We need everybody healthy and everything clicking right for us. I thought our guys were courageous in the first half for the way they played. I was pleased with our effort. But that’s an efficient (Heat) ball club.’’

Orlando was once again without starting center Nikola Vucevic, who missed his second straight game with a sprained left ankle. Vucevic rolled his ankle on Tuesday against Golden State and originally thought the injury wasn’t a serious one. Vucevic worked out prior to games on Thursday and Saturday, but was unable to play in either game.

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