In Orlando, on the night of November 10th, the Magic’s fate seemed uncertain after squandering a 13-point lead against the Portland Trail Blazers in the final quarter. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Desmond Bane, newly arrived to the team, became the hero of the match.With the ball in Franz Wagner’s hands and the defense focused on Paolo Banchero, Wagner found Bane, who, after receiving a screen, scored a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, leaving everyone astonished.This crucial moment could be the turning point the Magic needed to boost their season.
«This can ignite us»
Paolo Banchero
This play was the reason the Magic invested heavily in Bane, trading several first-round picks, a pick swap, and players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony, to bring the talented shooter from the Memphis Grizzlies.
After two consecutive first-round eliminations and a season marked by injuries, the Magic’s management bet big to compete in an open Eastern Conference. With the expectation of advancing to the second round or beyond, the start of the season with a 1-4 record put pressure on coach Jamahl Mosley and his players.
The frustration was palpable after a loss to the Boston Celtics, but Bane calmly predicted a “rocky” start to the president of basketball operations, Jeff Weltman.
“It’s something new, I think everyone is looking for their place. We didn’t have the start we wanted. I don’t think we need to panic… I’ve been here before with slow shooting starts… it’s starting the season like this, so it’s a hot topic”
Desmond Bane
The Magic needed a shooter and scorer like Bane, who averaged 19 points and 39% from three-pointers with Memphis the previous season. No guard or forward on the Magic had achieved those numbers since Hedo Turkoglu in 2007-08.With the need for more play, experience, and a third scoring option that would fit their defensive identity, Orlando trusts that Bane will raise the level of Banchero and Wagner, forming a young trio that will compete in the East for years.
“We paid a high price… We are betting on ourselves”
Jeff Weltman
Despite a season start with a 26% success rate in three-pointers, Bane’s winning shot has broken his slump, with 8 out of 20 three-pointers scored since then. The Magic, for their part, have won six of their last nine games.
The team is finding its rhythm, driven by the component that the Magic believes will help Banchero and Wagner win a championship.
“He’s already unlocked things… When we put him in positions to make the defense make decisions, obviously the spacing, that’s something we’ve struggled with in the past. Defenders don’t want to leave him. His offensive game too… And he’s a dog. He’s not afraid, he doesn’t back down from anyone.”
Paolo Banchero
Compañeros de equipo del Magic celebran con Desmond Bane después de su primer tiro ganador de su carrera contra los Trail Blazers.During a training session at the AdventHealth center of the Magic, the intensity was high, with discussions and a competitive atmosphere. Bane and Tyus Jones, teammates in Memphis, gathered the team, marking a key leadership moment.
“This is going to be us… You can’t choose the days you’re dogs. You’re a dog every day or you’re not. And knowing that when we leave the court, it’s all over, especially between us. That fierce competitiveness is good”
Jalen SuggsWagner highlighted the importance of Bane’s perspective, sharing his experience and vision of what the team seeks to achieve.In 2021-22, the Grizzlies, with Bane, reached the Western Conference semifinals, but failed to advance further, due to injuries and off-court issues. Bane’s experience in Memphis brings valuable lessons of “unity” and “commitment” to the Magic.Bane has shown his commitment, even with frustration, such as when he committed a flagrant foul against the Hawks, sending a message to the team.“It was frustration… But we say, no easy baskets. Let them see the lights [from the ceiling]. I can’t put myself in that position where I get ejected. But I definitely hoped it would wake me up. And wake up the rest of the group.”¿Compensará la inversión del Magic en la adquisición de Desmond Bane en la temporada 2025-26?In the first encounter against the Celtics, Bane showed his impact by stealing the ball and assisting for a three-pointer by Anthony Black, contributing to the Magic’s 123-110 victory.
“We appreciate that he sets the pace for us every day in training, in games. He’s super physical. He’s like a street dog. Street dog with a bag.”
Anthony Black
The Magic needed more aggressiveness, especially from beyond the arc. Last season, they were the worst team in three-point shooting percentage. Bane, with his arrival, seeks to solve this problem.
“The obvious answer is shooting… We’ve been one of the worst teams in the league in recent years. And I think with that we’ve also relied a lot on a small group of players for shot creation.”
Jeff WeltmanThe Magic’s offense stalled in the playoffs, with Banchero facing double teams. Wagner believes that Bane will help make the team harder to defend.Bane averages 16.5 points and is showing flashes of being the player the Magic needs to advance in the postseason.Mosley has emphasized the importance of running after defenses and fluidity in ball movement, something that Bane already practiced in Memphis.
“Now you have these weapons… They have to defend every position the right way. There’s nowhere to hide their defenders.”
Jamahl Mosley
The Magic’s three-point shot is still in development, but the integration of Bane and the development of chemistry between Banchero, Wagner, and Suggs requires patience.Bane has played as a point guard, initiating offensive plays, while Suggs recovers from an injury. An executive from the Western Conference suggests that the Magic could benefit from a passing point guard to facilitate shots for Bane.Banchero trusts that Bane is the perfect fit for the team.
“He is the right fit for the team… Shooting is just a small part of what he can do… He’s a really underrated passer and an underrated leader as well. It’s his voice. I know when he and I are together in action, I definitely get much cleaner looks, teams have to make a decision. It hasn’t been like that much in the past. I’ve realized that. He just fits… it’s only going to get better”
