The Orlando Magic have been in several close battles this season and have been on the winning end of most of them. According to Desmond Bane, it provides valuable experience.
When it comes to close game situations, the Orlando Magic have been highly productive this season; going 7-2 in games decided by three points or less.
But for Desmond Bane, each game during his first season in a Magic uniform has felt close.
“Feels like they all decided by three points or less,” Bane joked with reporters before Friday’s home game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Orlando’s seventh win in that scenario occurred Wednesday night against the Brooklyn Nets thanks to the heroic buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Paolo Banchero with two seconds remaining in overtime. In Bane’s view, tightly contested games have been good for the group.
“I think it's huge for the team,” Bane said. “I mean, early on when we started getting in those situations, I would always tell the guys, ‘This is good for us’. You need to be in those close games, meaningful games, so when it comes down to it, we're not second guessing anything in those moments.”
“And you've seen throughout those games, we've won them all in different ways, whether we're coming from behind or we have a lead; lose a lead, [we] find a way to get the stops that we need down the stretch. So, it's all growing opportunities, things that we definitely got to improve on. But that's what these next 40-some games are for. And after everything we've been through this year, I think that we're in a good spot.”
Heading into Friday night, the Magic are 21-17 and sit just behind the fifth place 76ers (20-15) in the Eastern Conference standings. Bane knows the significance of gaining experience in close games, but he also understands what it will take to win more comfortably.
“Taking care of the ball,” he said. “I think that's something that I've struggled with the last couple of games. And as a group, it's something that we have to do; just valuing possessions.”
“Sometimes it's the game plan discipline, you know, when things heat up in the fourth quarter, like we, we got to double down on our process. And I think that's a good place to start.”
Bane has recognized the maturation process the team has undergone, especially when it comes to fourth quarter communication.
“I think it's been good. I mean, we're somewhat young; but inching towards being a veteran type of team. But, you know, you're hearing different voices, multiple voices, and that's what you want. You know, you don't want it to always be one guy saying; ‘this is what we need to be doing.’ Like, everybody needs to, you know, be on the same page. And I think we're what you're looking for.”
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!