Bane's debut firepower and Suggs' electric energy fueled a hard-fought victory, signaling a dramatically improved Magic offense.
The Orlando Magic made a statement to open the season, defeating in-state rival Miami Heat 125–121 in a down-to-the-wire matchup. With high expectations surrounding the Magic after an active offseason, starting the year with a win was crucial to build early momentum. It wasn’t the prettiest performance, on a night when Miami couldn’t seem to miss, but the Magic stayed composed and closed it out. It’s only the first of 82 games, but here are three takeaways from the season opener:
Desmond Bane is a Clear Difference Maker:
In his Magic debut, Desmond Bane immediately addressed one of the team’s biggest needs, perimeter shooting. He went 3-for-7 from beyond the arc, including a clutch three-pointer that helped bring the game within reach for the Magic to capitalize. Defenders were noticeably reluctant to leave Bane open when cutting alongside Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner, and he also showed early chemistry with Banchero in the pick-and-roll. He finished with 24 points, four rebounds and three assists.
Coach Jamahl Mosley spoke highly of Bane’s leadership, holding it in the highest regard.
“He brings a calm, but he also brings a toughness,” Mosley said post-game. “His ability to get guys together in huddles. You saw him bringing the group together down the stretch? He brought guys in. Jalen was over there getting the crowd going, and Desmond brought everybody in. And I think his ability to do that for this group says a lot, and also making the right play, putting the ball in his hands down the stretch, he can handle it. And Paolo, two-man game pick and roll, to we have that's a luxury to have these guys down the stretch to be able to make big time plays for one another.”
Jalen Suggs Is the True Spark Plug:
It came as a surprise when the Magic announced guard Jalen Suggs would play in the season opener against the Heat after missing the preseason while recovering from injury. His return proved vital in the win, as he posted 14 points, two steals and two assists. Late in the game, Suggs delivered several hustle plays, including drawing a key charge that shifted momentum in Orlando’s favor.
New teammate, Bane said having Suggs available completely changes the team’s dynamic.
“He's a game changer,” Bane said. “He made a big shot on offense, big steal on defense. Charge as soon as the crowd started getting into it, we're in a timeout with like, He was like, come out. We get a stop or two, and this place is going to explode. Just ride that momentum to the end. I tell him all the time, he's the heart and soul of this thing. Without him, we’d still be a good ball club, but he's a guy that really puts us over the top.”
The Magic’s Offense Is Clearly Improved:
It’s only one game into the season, but it’s already clear this roster won’t be near the bottom in three-point shooting again. Orlando had three players. Banchero, Wagner and Bane score 20-plus points, each making key plays down the stretch. The chemistry was evident, and even Tristan da Silva provided a spark off the bench with 16 points.
Banchero knows the expectations for this team are higher than in years past, but he welcomes the pressure that comes with chasing something greater.
“The expectations are exciting,” Banchero said. “It's a privilege for people to think or have very high expectations for your team, and I think we just want to embrace that here. I wouldn't say it was our best performance, but we were still able to grind out the win and stick together. There was a lot of good as well. So going back, looking at what we can work on, and then taking the good as well, and just being better from it. It was a very good first showing. I think the sky's the limit for us.”
Magic's Superstar Paolo Banchero Boldly Listed For One Key Reason
Magic's Desmond Bane Earns Solid Ranking Despite Missing Key Career Accolade
Magic's Jalen Suggs Earns Respectable Player Ranking For One Clear Reason