The Orlando Magic pulled off a big upset of the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons on Monday, April 6.
The Magic need every victory they can get during the NBA regular season’s stretch run.
After Monday’s win, Orlando is tied for seventh in the conference and sit just a half-game out of the sixth spot with three games remaining. Furthermore, snagging that sixth position would allow the Magic to bypass the play-in tournament and advance to the NBA playoffs.
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Understandably, Magic players were in a celebratory mood after the 123-107 victory. Star guard Desmond Bane, who scored 25 points, participated in a postgame interview with the Magic TV crew.
Before it started, though, “America’s Got Talent” judge Howie Mandel jumped in. Specifically, he offered praise for Bane’s performance. Clearly, Bane had no clue about the identity of his admirer. WESH sports director Daren Stoltzfus shared the interaction on X.
“You’ve got talent,” Mandel interjected. “Who am I to judge? That was amazing. That was magic. I’m very excited.”
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“Thank you, brother,” Bane responded, giving Mandel a hesitant fist bump.
Consequently, the interviewer appeared to sense Bane’s confusion and quickly identified Mandel. “Howie Mandel, ‘America’s Got Talent.’ He’s impressed by you. That’s a good thing, right?” he said.
“For sure, for sure. That’s what’s up,” Bane said.

Mandel, a 70-year-old Canadian comedian and TV personality, has enjoyed a 50-year entertainment career. Most recently, he has been a judge on “America’s Got Talent” since 2010 and hosts the podcast “Howie Mandel Does Stuff.” Mandel also hosted the game show “Deal or No Deal.”
Evidently, those platforms are unfamiliar to Bane, who is in his first season with the Magic. During the offseason, the Memphis Grizzlies traded the sixth-year pro to Orlando.
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Bane is averaging 20.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists for the Magic. He ranks tied for second on the team in scoring behind Paolo Banchero’s 22.3 points per game.
Finally, Orlando hosts the Minnesota Timberwolves at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday, April 8.