The Orlando Magic had to be in high spirits after a win over the Miami Heat in an NBA Cup match severely helped them in the Eastern Conference standings as well. With a relatively slow start from a team that expected big things after a blockbuster trade in the offseason, the organization needed some good news.
The ruckus involving Desmond Bane and Franz Wagner suffering a major injury had already derailed their momentum. But the victory over the Heat kept them alive in the race to the NBA Cup Championship, and it even brought out the jokes from their prized offseason acquisition.
Desmond Bane Finds Light in Bizarre Fine Situation
The season hasn’t gone completely according to plan for the Magic, as the Detroit Pistons have risen to the top of the Eastern Conference. Additionally, Orlando has also had to watch the Toronto Raptors, the Miami Heat, and the Jayson Tatum-less Boston Celtics give them stiff competition in the playoff race.
Moreover, Bane hasn’t been the force many believed he could be individually. Averaging the lowest amount of points (18.3) since his sophomore season, while shooting a career low from the field (43.9%) and 3-point land (32.5%), he has been unable to be the salve for the Magic offense.
But against Miami, it seemed like the former Memphis Grizzlies star found his groove once again. Tying a season-high with 37 points, he shot a blistering 14 of 24 from the field while knocking down six of his nine 3-pointers to help give his team a 117-108 victory.
It certainly left him in high spirits after the game, as he was able to crack jokes about a recent $35,000 fine against him. With the money-based incentive for winning the NBA Cup, Bane added, “That’s huge, man. I just lost $35,000. I gotta go get it back somehow.”
Desmond Bane on advancing to NBA Cup Semifinals:
“I just lost $35,000. I gotta go get it back somehow.” pic.twitter.com/FCrwU83zMl
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) December 10, 2025
Aside from the jokes, he relished the opportunity of the spot, stating, “I’m excited. Great opportunity for us to play some meaningful basketball early in the season. So, I know the group is excited.”
The fine came about as a result of an inexplicable decision by Bane in Orlando’s clash against the New York Knicks. Anunoby was trying to extend a New York lead with a fastbreak run to the rim, but he was undercut by Anthony Black, while Jalen Suggs blocked his shot off the glass.
As the ball fell, it ended up landing right in the hands of Bane, who was standing under the basket. With the Knicks’ star forward lying in a heap, entangled with Suggs just out of bounds, Bane viciously threw the ball at him.
Trying to get possession for Orlando might have been the rationale from the sharpshooter, but the force behind his throw raised a lot of eyebrows. Even announcer Mike Breen was left shocked, as fans roared their anger at the display. Later on, the league decided to step in, assessing him a penalty for the interaction.