MIAMI — In a way, Saturday’s win over the Miami Heat was a full circle moment for Orlando Magic forward Jamal Cain. 

Cain, who is on a two-way deal with the Magic this season, spent the first two years of his NBA career with the Heat. On Saturday, he scored 12 points and grabbed seven rebounds against his old team in 19 minutes of action; the most he has seen this season.  

For Cain, it was a moment he had been working toward. 

“I knew all the work I put in had to be shown tonight and what team to do it again you know, with Miami,” Cain said. “So, it was perfect for me. You know, I've been trying a lot. Me and my trainer, Tyrese, we've been in the gym just waiting and preparing for this moment. So, I'm just happy to get it done.” 

Cain only appeared in 44 games during his time with the Heat; he did find some extra motivation given the history of both parties. 

“100 percent,” Cain said. "Not in like a bad way, just you know, just naturally you want to compete against, you know, your brothers.” 

“I consider all them guys my brothers. And knowing what Bam just did to have an 83, you know, I'll make sure he won't try and get close to that. So, like I said, I'm just happy to get the dub and definitely have some extra motivation, though, for sure.” 

During his young NBA career, the 26-year-old Cain has continued to work and compete with an underdog mentality.  

“I know coming in; I was an underdog,” he said. “So, I feel like I always have a chip on my shoulder and something to prove to everybody. But ultimately, just keep doing what I'm doing, keep going first, keep working and live with the outcome.” 

While Cain has been able to sustain confidence on his own, his teammates have provided positive reinforcement in that regard.  

“I mean, tremendously, for sure. But I've always been confident, always believed in my game. But the guys definitely helped just, you know, with telling me, you'll be open, take the shot; you miss it, shoot it again. 

“You know, those are words of encouragement that you need from your fellow teammates. But yeah, they definitely helped me a lot, for sure.” 

It was a game in which the Heat fought back and cut what was once a 22-point Magic lead to two points. However, Orlando was able to pull off a 121-117 victory that led to a season sweep of Miami. 

In Cain’s view, it was a good situation to be in.  

“I think it was a huge test for us as well, because that's what the playoffs is going to look like,” he said. So, I'm just glad we was able to see that, feel that and ultimately come out with a win.” 

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