ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic delivered a dramatic finish at the Kia Center on Friday night, edging the Miami Heat 106–105 in a nail-biting showdown sealed only after Bam Adebayo’s jumper at the buzzer bounced off the rim.

Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat, Kia Center. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Franz Wagner led the charge with a game-high 32 points, attacking the rim relentlessly and providing the offensive spark Orlando needed in the final minutes. Jalen Suggs added 22 points, including a critical late-game layup that gave the Magic a five-point cushion with just over a minute remaining.

The victory marks Orlando’s seventh win in its last nine outings, continuing a strong stretch as the team gains momentum heading into the NBA Cup quarterfinals.

Banchero Returns, Provides Boost

Paolo Banchero made his long-awaited return after missing 10 games with a strained left groin. Though limited to 20 minutes, he contributed nine points and six rebounds, giving the Magic additional inside presence and energy.

Desmond Bane struggled from the field, finishing with five points on 2-for-16 shooting, but Orlando’s defensive effort helped compensate for the off night.

Heat Rally Too Late

Miami nearly stole the game in the final seconds behind Norman Powell’s 28 points, including two late layups that brought the Heat within one. Adebayo added a strong double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds, but his potential game-winner fell short.

The Heat played without Tyler Herro, who suffered a right big toe injury earlier in the week. Miami has now lost three of its last four following a previous six-game winning streak.

Rematch on the Horizon

The Magic and Heat will meet again Tuesday night at the Kia Center in an NBA Cup quarterfinal showdown. With emotions high and both teams showing playoff-level intensity, another thriller may be on deck.

Up Next:
Heat: Host Sacramento on Saturday night.
Magic: Travel to New York to face the Knicks on Sunday.

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J Willie David, III | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

NEW YORK, N.Y. (FNN SPORTS) – The National Football League (NFL) has announced its NFC Players of the Week for Week 10 (November 6, 9–10), recognizing standout performances from Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Seattle Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence, and New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd.

OFFENSE: RB JAHMYR GIBBS, DETROIT LIONS

Gibbs exploded for 172 scrimmage yards (142 rushing, 30 receiving) and three total touchdowns (two rushing, one receiving) in the Lions’ 44-22 victory over Washington.

He led the NFC in scrimmage yards, rushing yards, rushing average (9.5 yards per carry), and touchdowns for the week. This marks Gibbs’ second career NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor (previously Week 14, 2024).

Gibbs joins quarterback Jared Goff (Week 2) as the second Lion to earn the offensive award this season. He is also the second Detroit running back—after Hall of Famer Barry Sanders (11-time winner)—to win multiple NFC Offensive Player of the Week awards.

A proud Alabama Crimson Tide alumnus, Gibbs becomes the fifth Alabama running back to earn multiple Player of the Week honors, joining Derrick Henry, Shaun Alexander, Mark Ingram, and Eddie Lacy.

DEFENSE: LB DEMARCUS LAWRENCE, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Lawrence turned in a dominant defensive performance in Seattle’s 44-22 win over Arizona, tallying four tackles, two fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns, one tackle for loss, and half a sack.

He became just the third player in NFL history to return two fumbles for touchdowns in a single game, joining Jeremy Chinn (2020) and Fred Evans (1948).

This marks Lawrence’s second career NFC Defensive Player of the Week award (first in Week 3, 2017). He is the first Seahawk to win since Leonard Williams (Week 13, 2024) and the first Seattle linebacker since Uchenna Nwosu (Week 1, 2022).

Lawrence is also the first former Boise State player to win multiple Defensive Player of the Week honors, joining Jay Ajayi as the only other Bronco to win multiple Player of the Week awards.

SPECIAL TEAMS: DT NATHAN SHEPHERD, NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Shepherd made his mark on special teams, blocking a crucial field goal attempt that preserved the Saints’ 10-7 lead in the third quarter of their 17-7 win over Carolina—the only field goal block in the NFL during Week 10.

He added two tackles and a sack, contributing to a Saints defense that shut out the Panthers in the second half.

This is Shepherd’s first career Special Teams Player of the Week award, and he becomes only the second defensive lineman in Saints history to earn the honor (joining Bryan Bresee, Week 14, 2024). Shepherd is also the first player from Fort Hays State to ever win an NFL Player of the Week award.

LAKELAND, Fla. (FNN) – Avelo Airlines is expanding its footprint at Lakeland International Airport (LAL) with the return of nonstop service to Atlanta (ATL), the launch of new spring training flights to Detroit (DTW), and the addition of a second based aircraft to its growing Central Florida hub.

The expansion follows 18 months of successful operations at Lakeland International and reflects strong community support and Avelo’s commitment to offering convenient and affordable air travel for Central Florida passengers.

Avelo’s new service lineup includes:

• Detroit (DTW): Begins February 11, 2026, with twice-weekly flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

• Atlanta (ATL): Begins February 13, 2026, offering five flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

With the addition of these routes, Avelo will now serve 10 nonstop destinations from its Lakeland base.

Flights will be operated with Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, known for their comfort and reliability. Introductory one-way fares start at $34, and tickets are now available for booking at AveloAir.com.

Avelo’s expanded service to Atlanta will provide travelers with greater flexibility and access to key connecting destinations, while the new Detroit route will cater to spring training visitors and those traveling between Florida and the Midwest.