Orlando Magic’s Desmond Bane Surges After Game-Winner Against Blazers

PHILADELPHIA — Desmond Bane‘s momentum has shifted significantly since hitting a buzzer-beating 3-pointer against the Portland Trail Blazers two weeks ago. After a slow start to the season, where he averaged 14.2 points with 29.3% shooting in his first ten games, Bane has turned his performance around remarkably.

Since that pivotal shot, the guard has averaged 21.4 points on 41.5% shooting, contributing 5 rebounds and nearly 5 assists per game. Bane expressed the impact of that moment on his confidence at the team’s shootaround on Tuesday. “Trust is a big thing for me,” he said. “After making that shot, I felt the love from everybody. Orlando’s starting to feel like home.”

The Magic, now overcoming injuries, have relied on Bane’s scoring prowess, especially with All-Star forward Paolo Banchero out for his seventh consecutive game due to a groin strain. Before the recent match, the team boasted a solid record of 4-2 without their star player, with Bane stepping up alongside teammates Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs.

“We all want to be playing our best basketball as the season goes on,” Bane stated. He continued to put in the effort even during his early struggles, scoring in double figures 14 times and achieving 20-plus points in eight of those games so far. As the NBA Cup game approaches against the Detroit Pistons, Bane aims to stay on this upward trajectory.

The Magic’s recent turnaround can be traced back to their improved performance since the win against Portland. They have recorded wins in five of their last seven games, showcasing both offensive efficiency and defensive strength. They currently rank sixth in the league with a 121.0 offensive rating, a notable improvement that has positioned them as a competitive team in the league.

As they prepare for upcoming games, including an important match against the Pistons that could determine their position in Group B of the NBA Cup, the Magic are determined to continue their progress. “It’s a work in progress,” Bane concluded optimistically. “We’re learning and getting better every day.”