The Magic Insider

Desmond Bane keeps etching name into Magic lore offensively

Desmond Bane put together another 37-point performance Tuesday.
Matt Hanifan|
Dec 9, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) drives to the basket against Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Dec 9, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) drives to the basket against Miami Heat guard Norman Powell (24) during the second half at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

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Orlando Magic

No Franz Wagner, no problem!

Desmond Bane continued etch his name into Orlando Magic lore on Tuesday night against the Miami Heat -- less than 72 hours after an absolute clunker against the same opponent.

In 38 minutes in the Magic's Emirates Cup quarterfinals victory, Desmond Bane scored a game-high 37 points on 14-of-24 shooting while netting a season-most six 3-pointers. Leading up, the 6-foot-6 shooting guard hadn't made more than three 3s in a single game this season, marking his first six-3-point performance since April 10.

That wasn't all, however.

Bane became the first player since Tracy McGrady in 2004 to score 35-plus points thrice in a six-game span. He scored 37 points twice more on Nov. 28 against the Detroit Pistons -- in an Emirates Cup group stage game -- and Dec. 1 against the Chicago Bulls.

He must love the NBA cup, eh?!

Desmond Bane continues to be an offensive engine the Magic needed:

Desmond Bane
Dec 9, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) looks to pass during the second quarter against the Miami Heat at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Bane's rocky start was well-documented, averaging just 13.9 points on 41.4/28.6/86.4 shooting splits over his first eight games. Since? He's averaging 21.4 points -- in addition to 4.7 rebounds and five dimes -- on 45.9/37.2/95.8 shooting splits.

He's not just shooting the ball better. Bane's embracing playing through contact, leveraging his strength into easier looks for himself against weaker, smaller defenders.

Without Paolo Banchero and, now, Franz Wagner, Bane's importance to the Magic's offense is quite important.

Over his last 15 games, when he's been on the floor, the Magic's offense is scoring 119.1 points per 100 possessions, compared to just 115.0 when he's off. That may not look like a significant gap, but that's the difference between a (slightly below) league-average offense and a really good offense.

And the Magic desperately needed -- and will continue to need -- really good offense to keep pace without one of their best creators.

More Orlando Magic Stories:

Desmond Bane destroys Heat as the Magic advance to NBA Cup semifinals

This day in calendar is not a kind day for Franz Wagner

Bad day for Magic vs. Knicks as offense struggles, star hurt

Magic stave off Heat for second time this season, behind Franz Wagner

Why Magic rookie was 'thankful' for surprising second half insertion

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Matt Hanifan
MATT HANIFAN

Matt Hanifan: Born and raised in Nevada, Matt has covered the Miami Heat, NBA and men’s college basketball for various platforms since 2019. More of his work can be found at Hot Hot Hoops, Vendetta Sports Media and Mountain West Connection. He studied journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he previously served as a sports staff writer for The Nevada Sagebrush. Twitter: @Mph_824_

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