ORLANDO, Fla. – In a thrilling moment, Franz Wagner found himself at the crucial juncture of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 10, looking for a play as the Orlando Magic sought to redeem a significant fourth-quarter collapse. With Paolo Banchero tightly guarded, Wagner redirected his attention to a new asset: Desmond Bane, who, after receiving a screen, launched a twisting fallaway three-pointer that swished through the net just as the buzzer sounded. This remarkable play marked Bane’s inaugural career buzzer-beater and might signal a turning point for the Magic season.
Bane’s clutch shot sparked jubilation among his teammates, as Banchero lifted him in celebration, and the bench cleared to join the festivities. “It just can ignite us,” stated Banchero, highlighting the importance of this moment in the Magic’s progression.
Last summer, the Magic made a bold move, trading four unprotected first-round picks, a first-round pick swap, and players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony to acquire the talented shooter from the Memphis Grizzlies. With hopes of advancing beyond the first round for the first time since 2011, the Magic faced mounting pressure after a rocky 1-4 start to the season.
Bane acknowledged that the early struggles weren’t cause for panic, hinting at the team’s potential for improvement as they navigate through the season. This sentiment is echoed by Magic management, with president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman expressing confidence in Bane’s fit within the team’s vision.
Bane, who averaged 19 points per game and hit 39% of his three-point attempts last season, brings a much-needed scoring and playmaking dimension that the Magic have lacked in previous years. In fact, no Magic guard or forward has produced similar numbers since Hedo Turkoglu back in 2007-08. With Bane’s addition, the team is focused on providing a solid support system for Banchero and Wagner, fostering a trio that can elevate themselves and the franchise in the Eastern Conference.
Since Bane’s dramatic game-winner, both he and the Magic have displayed signs of growth, with the team winning six out of their last nine games. While the recent setback against the Houston Rockets highlighted areas for improvement, the confidence in Bane’s contribution is palpable. “He’s already unlocked things,” Banchero remarked, emphasizing Bane’s role in improving spacing and enhancing offensive play, attributes the Magic desperately aimed to address.
As the season progresses, the Magic remain committed to finding their offensive rhythm while having strong defensive protocols. The franchise is navigating a critical phase of integrating Bane into their system, an adjustment that has not been without its challenges—especially given the injuries that have sidelined key players like Banchero and Jalen Suggs.
Moreover, the competitive spirit within the Magic, as seen during a fiery training camp scrimmage, showcases the shift in team dynamics prompted by Bane’s leadership. His influence is evident not only on the court but also in the locker room, where he encourages a culture of accountability and resilience.
As the Magic continue to seek their identity and chemistry, early indicators suggest that Bane’s addition could indeed be the catalyst that propels them toward a deeper playoff run. The team remains optimistic, realizing they are in the formative stages of blending talent and experience into a cohesive unit ready to make its mark in the Eastern Conference. With time on their side, the association looks poised for growth and potential success.