The Magic didn’t field the average summer league lineup, for Tuesday’s game against the Heat.
Four of the five starters — Mo Harkless, Andrew Nicholson, Kyle O’Quinn, Doron Lamb — were on their regular roster last season, and the fifth was No. 2 overall pick Victor Oladipo.
Still, the Heat won all four quarters, and the game, 94-80.
“Our guys were excited to play against them,” summer league coach Dan Craig said.
Second-round pick James Ennis led the Heat with 19 points, though most of those came early, and he didn’t have quite the same energy in the second half.
Jarvis Varnado scored 16 points in 22 minutes, again showing off his improved outside touch, though he also was winded late.
Ian Clark, who has been the surprise so far, made 6-of-11 shots. He does have a nasty habit of stepping on the out of bounds line — something which Heat assistant David Fizdale, watching from press row, noticed.
“That’s three times,” Fizdale said, smiling as he promised a fine.
“I got ya,” Clark said.
Also, of note:
– Michael Dunigan, a big man from Oregon who could be a camp body, had seven rebounds.
– Myck Kabongo (Texas) didn’t play, a sign of how far and quickly he’s slipped. The Heat used Cedric Jackson (Cleveland State) and Vincent Council (Providence) at point guard instead, and neither appears to figure into their long-term plans. Don’t be surprised if the Heat pick up another point guard to play in summer league in Las Vegas.
– Craig shows good instincts as a coach, as evident on his after-timeout calls. Spend that much time in the video room, and you’re sure to pick up plenty.
– D.J. Stephens (Memphis) can really, really jump. He only played eight minutes on Tuesday, though, so it’s not clear if the Heat will give him much time to show much else.
– Oladipo scored 22 points, making 12-of-14 shots from the line. He is a fluid, dynamic player. But he’s not a point guard. Not yet.
