New arrival delivers 23 points and late-game poise as Orlando holds off Miami to open the season strong
The Orlando Magic opened their season with a statement win. On opening night at the KIA Center, the Magic outlasted the Miami Heat 125–121, fueled by new addition Desmond Bane’s confident debut and a balanced scoring attack.
Bane, acquired in a major offseason trade, finished with 23 points on 7-for-18 shooting. He hit three of seven three-pointers and all six of his free throws, blending seamlessly into an Orlando lineup that looked sharp and composed under pressure.
From the jump, Bane brought an edge that Orlando had lacked. His shooting stretched Miami’s defense, opening the floor for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who each scored 24 points. That trio accounted for 71 of Orlando’s 125 points and set the tone for a fast, fluid offense that rarely stagnated.
“We played connected,” Banchero said. “Having Desmond out there changes everything — spacing, pace, confidence. You can feel it.”
Miami jumped out to a 39–38 lead after a blistering first quarter, but Orlando settled in. The Magic outscored the Heat 31–26 in the second quarter, finding rhythm behind crisp ball movement and improved defensive effort.
The Heat, led by Norman Powell’s 28 points and nine rebounds, stayed within striking distance most of the way. Bam Adebayo added 15 points and 12 boards, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 13 off the bench. But without Tyler Herro — who sat out with an ankle issue — Miami struggled to generate consistent offense down the stretch.
In the final minute, Orlando’s new-look offense delivered. With the score tied 119–119, Jalen Suggs spun into the lane and hit a clutch jumper to give the Magic the lead. Miami missed consecutive three-pointers on the next trip, and Bane calmly knocked down two free throws with 37 seconds left. The Heat trimmed the deficit briefly, but Wendell Carter Jr. secured a rebound and sealed the win from the line.
It was a poised finish — something that had often eluded Orlando in past seasons. Bane didn’t just hit shots; he controlled tempo and made the right reads in the half-court.
“He brings leadership and confidence,” head coach Jamahl Mosley said. “He’s unselfish, vocal, and he gives everyone around him belief.”
Orlando’s defense improved as the night went on, holding Miami without a field goal for over four minutes late in the fourth quarter. On the other end, the Magic’s spacing and movement — fueled by Bane’s gravity as a shooter — kept the Heat guessing.
For a franchise that’s spent years building around young talent, this opener looked like a payoff. The Magic showed maturity and balance, closing out a quality opponent with precision.
Bane’s 23-point debut was the headline, but his influence ran deeper. The Magic won because they trusted each other — and on opening night, Desmond Bane made them better.
If this is any preview of what’s ahead, Orlando might not just be climbing the standings — they might be ready to stay there.
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