The Orlando Magic are rolling the dice and getting their bags packed for Las Vegas after a 117-108 win against the Miami Heat in the NBA Cup quarterfinal inside the Kia Center.
After trailing 15-0 to start the game, the Magic didn’t push the panic button and began to play the defense they needed to as their shots began to fall. Orlando’s offense began to soar as Miami fell back down to earth in the second quarter and beyond.
In the second half, the Magic were able to build a lead with Desmond Bane fueling the efforts as they closed things out in the fourth quarter.
Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane defends Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins. | Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Magic make statement in win vs. Heat
The Magic were led by Desmond Bane, who scored 37 points on 14 of 24 shooting from the floor with 6 of 9 makes from beyond the 3-point line. Jalen Suggs was also strong, scoring 20 points and making three of the team’s 3-pointers.
As a team, the Magic shot 15 of 32 from beyond the arc, which ultimately led to Orlando’s big win.
Paolo Banchero played 32 minutes for the Magic, scoring 18 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Wendell Carter Jr., Tristan da Silva and Anthony Black also joined Banchero in double figures.
The Heat were led by Norman Powell, who scored a team-high 21 points. Tyler Herro was right behind him with 20 to add to the box score. Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins had 19 points apiece while Davion Mitchell had 11. Jaime Jaquez Jr. had 10 points off the bench.
It’s a big win for the Magic, who dealt with numerous obstacles en route to victory. Now that the Magic have clinched a spot in Las Vegas, they will have a chance to showcase themselves on a global stage two wins away from winning the NBA Cup.
The Magic will now advance to the NBA Cup semifinals for the first time in franchise history. They will face the winner of the game between the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. ET.
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