Bane's clutch shot sealed a nail-biter, while defensive grit and offensive execution secured a thrilling victory against Portland.
The Orlando Magic found some magic of their own in a nail-biting finish, edging the Portland Trail Blazers 115-112 thanks to a game-winning shot from Desmond Bane. The victory helped the Magic avoid back-to-back losses in what became a tense fourth quarter, as Portland nearly completed a late comeback. Despite several chances to seal the game earlier, Orlando’s struggles at the free-throw line kept the door open, but the Magic ultimately escaped after a missed, fading three-pointer at the buzzer. Here are key takeaways as they travel to face the New York Knicks.
Desmond Bane is a true difference maker:
Yes, Bane hit a ridiculous three-pointer to win the game, but most importantly, he’s been a major contributor in competitive wins. Against the Trail Blazers, he was the second-leading scorer with 22 points. It’s clear when Bane is having an impactful night, the Magic could win against any team.
“Great of him to have poise,” Mosley said. “Pay attention in that timeout, understand exactly how to execute. That’s who he is. He’s done it many times in his career to hit big shots and step into the moment. I’m just happy for him for sustaining it, playing with that level of aggression throughout the game, making the right plays, and then he was rewarded at the end by continuing to do the right thing for 48 minutes.”
Defensive effort is the X-Factor:
Back and forth to the final buzzer, not only did the Magic produce offensively, but came clutch defensively when it mattered most, especially Paolo Banchero stealing the ball from Jrue Holiday in the final possession before Bane’s game-winning shot.
“Just doing whatever I could to get the ball back,” Banchero said post-game. “They got me on that lob they slipped out and threw it live and finished it. I knew we just had to be sharp on the next switch before the ball was in. He put the ball down and I just went for it. As soon as I grabbed it I knew we had a timeout, so I tried to call it as quickly as I could."
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