<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magics-paolo-banchero-desmond-bane-call-jalen-suggs-heart-and-soul-after-return-vs-heat');   ga('set', 'title', 'Magic’s Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane call Jalen Suggs the ‘heart and soul’ after energetic return vs. Heat');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jalen-Suggs-4-reacts-after-a-basket-against-the-Miami-Heat-in-the-fourth-quarter.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Magic’s Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane call Jalen Suggs the ‘heart and soul’ after energetic return vs. Heat</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-23T10:42:35-07:00">October 23rd, 10:42am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-23T10:42:35-07:00">October 23rd, 10:42am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-jamahl-mosley-rave-desmond-bane-impact">Orlando Magic opened their 2025-26 season on a high note</a> Tuesday night, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/what-we-know-about-terry-rozier-chauncey-billups-fbi-investigations">defeating the Miami Heat 125-121 at the Kia Center</a> in a fast-paced, physical matchup that marked the return of guard Jalen Suggs. Playing in his first game since January, Suggs quickly reminded teammates and fans alike why he’s considered the team’s emotional core.</p><p>Suggs finished with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in just 17 minutes of action. He shot 6-for-7 from the field, including 2-for-3 from three-point range, and recorded a team-best plus/minus of +15. It was his first game since <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-orlando-president-provides-updates-jalen-suggs-moritz-wagner-injuries">undergoing arthroscopic surgery</a> in February to remove a cartilage fragment in his left knee — an injury that ended his 2024-25 season prematurely.</p><p>The former All-Defensive Team guard made an immediate impact on both ends of the floor, helping Orlando set the tone early against a veteran Miami squad. His return drew praise from teammates Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane, who both described him as the “<a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">heart and soul</a>” of the team.</p><p>“I mean everybody saw it… him starting the game hitting shots,” Banchero said. “Defensively, doing what he does – can’t say enough about what he does for our team and the player he is so it was great having him out there.”</p><h2><b>Desmond Bane calls Jalen Suggs the ‘heart and soul’ as Magic’s new core shines vs. Heat</b></h2><p>Bane, who made his Magic debut after <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-why-desmond-bane-no-limits-orlando-after-grizzlies-trade">being acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason</a>, echoed that sentiment and spoke about Suggs’ influence during key moments late in the game.</p><p>“He’s a game changer,” Bane said. “I mean he made a big shot on offense, a big steal on defense, charge – as soon as the crowd started getting into it we were in a timeout with like three minutes to go and he was like, ‘come out we get a stop or two and this place is gonna explode and just ride that momentum to the end.’ I tell him all the time, he’s the heart and soul of this thing. Without him we’d still be a good ball club but he’s really the guy that puts us over the top.”</p><p>Bane added that Suggs’ presence provides an energy boost that can’t be replicated.</p><p>“He’s an energizer bunny – every time something happens he’s pumping the crowd up,” Bane said. “He brings that much needed juice for sure.”</p><p>The game showcased the chemistry between the Magic’s newly constructed backcourt and its established core. Alongside Suggs’ efficient night, Banchero led Orlando with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Bane contributed 23 points in his first regular-season game with the team. Franz Wagner matched their production with 24 points, six assists, and four rebounds in 36 minutes, further solidifying Orlando’s balanced attack.</p><h2><b>Franz Wagner praises Bane and Suggs as Magic eye deeper run with healthy roster</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Jalen-Suggs-4-reacts-with-guard-Desmond-Bane-3-after-a-play-against-the-Miami-Heat.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Wagner pointed out that both Bane and Suggs played pivotal roles in creating momentum late in the game, highlighting a moment that reflected their collective mindset.</p><p>“I just talked about Bane, not just as a player but that play shows his character – he’s a big time scorer but he really wants to win and does that type of play as well,” Wagner said. “And then J Suggs, pretty hard to find someone that I don’t know what it was, eight months off… six for seven, +15, it’s pretty impressive.”</p><p>Suggs’ return adds another dimension to Orlando’s guard rotation, which now features Bane’s outside shooting and veteran leadership alongside Suggs’ defensive intensity and emotional spark. The Magic finished last season 41-41 after a year riddled with injuries to Suggs, Franz Wagner, and Moritz Wagner. With a healthy roster and offseason additions, the team has set its sights on making a deeper postseason push.</p><p>The Magic will look to build on their opening-night win when they host the Atlanta Hawks (0-1) on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET as part of their three-game homestand.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Magic’s Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane call Jalen Suggs the ‘heart and soul’ after energetic return vs. Heat

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-paolo-banchero-jamahl-mosley-rave-desmond-bane-impact');   ga('set', 'title', 'Magic’s Paolo Banchero, Jamahl Mosley rave about Desmond Bane’s impact');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Desmond-Bane-3-looks-on-against-the-Miami-Heat-in-the-third-quarter-at-Kia-Center.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Magic’s Paolo Banchero, Jamahl Mosley rave about Desmond Bane’s impact</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-23T10:13:14-07:00">October 23rd, 10:13am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-23T10:13:14-07:00">October 23rd, 10:13am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/what-we-know-about-terry-rozier-chauncey-billups-fbi-investigations"> Orlando Magic opened their 2025-26 season with a statement win</a> on Tuesday night, defeating the Miami Heat 125-121 at the Kia Center. The debut of veteran guard Desmond Bane stole much of the spotlight, earning immediate praise from star forward Paolo Banchero and head coach Jamahl Mosley following his first game in a Magic uniform.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-why-desmond-bane-no-limits-orlando-after-grizzlies-trade">Bane, acquired this offseason from the Memphis Grizzlies</a>, scored 23 points to go with four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in 33 minutes. He shot 7-for-18 from the field, 3-for-6 from beyond the arc, and 6-for-6 from the free throw line, playing a key role in helping Orlando close out Miami in a high-scoring contest.</p><p>Banchero, who led the Magic with 24 points, 11 rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block on 7-of-17 shooting, said Bane’s aggressive approach and confidence fit seamlessly into Orlando’s system.</p><p>“He was just being himself and that’s what we’ve asked him to do since the day he got here,” Banchero said. “Just hunt his shots, be aggressive and let it fly. We trust him with the ball in his hands [and] whatever he decides to do with it so I thought he played great.”</p><h2><b>Paolo Banchero and Jamahl Mosley praise Desmond Bane’s leadership</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Desmond-Bane-3-is-guarded-by-Miami-Heat-center-Bam-Adebayo-13-in-the-third-quarter.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Mosley <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">echoed that sentiment</a>, emphasizing Bane’s leadership and composure in key moments.</p><p>“Well he brings a calm but he also brings a toughness – his ability to get guys together in huddles,” Mosley said. “You saw him bringing the group together down the stretch, I think it was the 4:30 mark that he brought guys in. Jalen was over there getting the crowd going and Desmond brought everybody in and I think his ability to do that for this group says a lot. And also making the right play, putting the ball in his hands down the stretch – he can handle it, him and Paolo two man game, pick and roll… it’s a luxury to have these guys down the stretch to be able to make big time plays for one another.”</p><p>Bane’s debut performance capped off an all-around offensive showing for Orlando, as Franz Wagner matched Banchero’s 24 points while adding six assists, four rebounds, and two steals on 9-of-17 shooting. Wagner also reflected on Bane’s impact, praising his competitive edge and unselfishness.</p><p>“I just talked about Bane, not just as a player but that play shows his character – he’s a big time scorer but he really wants to win and does that type of play as well,” Wagner said, referencing Bane’s dive for a loose ball late in the game. “Like I said, you don’t know which play is gonna win the game.”</p><h2><b>Balanced scoring trio powers Magic past Heat, highlighting team’s depth and versatility</b></h2><p>The trio of Banchero, Bane, and Wagner combined for 71 points, marking just the second time in franchise history that three Magic players scored 20 or more points in an opening night game. The <a href="https://x.com/Magic_PR/status/1981177684257366450" rel="noopener">only other instance came on Oct. 19, 2022</a>, in Detroit, when Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and Wagner each topped 20 points.</p><p>For Mosley, the new scoring balance highlights Orlando’s growing depth and versatility.</p><p>“Those are very good problems,” Mosley said. “I mean, you see down the stretch we’re trying to find a matchup – we go to Paolo and Desmond in the pick and roll when we usually go to Franz and Paolo in the pick and roll. Jalen’s out there, he makes a big play. It says a lot about the guys that are not afraid of the moment and they trust each other enough to make the right play at the right time and they’re all capable of making big time plays and they celebrate each other. And that’s the beauty of this team — our depth, our togetherness, and the focus that we have to continue to work for one another.”</p><h2><b>Banchero says expectations are ‘exciting’ as Magic look to build on opening win</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Paolo-Banchero-5-looks-to-shoot-the-ball-against-the-Miami-Heat-in-the-third-quarter.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Banchero, now in his fourth NBA season, said the addition of Bane has elevated both the team’s confidence and expectations.</p><p>“The expectations are exciting, the pressure is exciting,” Banchero said. “It’s a privilege for people to think or have very high expectations for your team and I think we just wanna embrace that here. I wouldn’t say it was our best performance but we were able to still grind out the win and stay together. There was a lot of good as well so… going back to look at what we could work on and taking the good as well and just being better from it. But it was a very good first showing and I think the sky’s the limit for us.”</p><p>Wagner shared a similar perspective, noting that the offseason additions have sharpened the team’s mindset.</p><p>“Obviously with the moves we made this summer, our urgency is at an all-time high,” Wagner said. “A lot of guys that we added not just on the court with their playing style but with their demeanor, their character, I think fits us perfectly with what we needed. And add that to a really talented group that everybody got a lot better over the summer, I’m excited for what we can do.”</p><p>With the Magic’s home opener now behind them, the team will look to build on its early momentum when it hosts the Atlanta Hawks (0-1) on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET to continue their three-game homestand.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Magic’s Paolo Banchero, Jamahl Mosley rave about Desmond Bane’s impact

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-fans-will-love-desmond-banes-smooth-offensive-game-vs-76ers');   ga('set', 'title', 'Magic fans will love Desmond Bane’s smooth offensive game vs. 76ers');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Orlando-Magic-guard-Desmond-Bane.jpg"><figcaption>Mike Watters-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Magic fans will love Desmond Bane’s smooth offensive game vs. 76ers</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-10T18:30:25-07:00">October 10th, 6:30pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-10T18:30:25-07:00">October 10th, 6:30pm</time><address><a>Zachary Howell</a>Zachary Howell is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints focusing on creating premier MLB content. He is a big fan of the Yankees, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Syracuse Orange. In his free time, he likes to be outside or read.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Orlando Magic went on the road to face the Philadelphia 76ers in their second game of the NBA’s preseason. After <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/desmond-bane-trade-grades-magic-grizzlies-blockbuster">Orlando traded for Desmond Bane early in the summer</a>, expectations were high. The former Memphis Grizzlies guard figured to be a good fit next to Paolo Banchero. In his second game with the Magic, Bane lived up to the hype, helping run the team’s offense.</p><p>The veteran guard contributed to the Magic’s blowout win, chipping in eight points in 21 minutes. Bane, Banchero, and the rest of Orlando’s roster are still figuring out how they gel together in the preseason. However, the new acquisition slashed in for a <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1976813317307220272" rel="noopener">nice layup</a> in a video captured by ClutchPoints.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Desmond Bane drives in for a SMOOTH reverse lay 🔥<a href="https://t.co/41Qu3mQcBg">pic.twitter.com/41Qu3mQcBg</a></p><p>— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClutchPoints/status/1976813317307220272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>The Magic made it into the playoffs but could not get past the Boston Celtics in the first round. However, injuries to stars across the Eastern Conference gives Orlando a great chance to take advantage in the 2025-26 season. Bane will be a big piece of the Magic’s success and could determine just how far the team can go when the postseason rolls around.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/eurobasket-news-franz-wagner-leads-germany-into-eurobasket-quarterfinals">Orlando fans watched Franz Wagner put on a show at EuroBasket</a> during the summer. With him, Banchero, and Bane leading the way for the Magic, the sky’s the limit. However, the team’s offense needs to be much better for them to make any kind of noise in the Eastern Conference this season. Bane was brought in to do just that, giving Orlando fans hope that the team can take a leap.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-orlando-desmond-bane-high-honors-nba-executives-2025-26-season">Magic’s trade for the star guard was named one of the best of the summer by executives around the NBA</a>. Two games into the preseason, Bane has delivered exactly what Orlando thought it was getting. If he can maintain his production into the regular season, the Magic could put a stranglehold on their conference.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Magic fans will love Desmond Bane’s smooth offensive game vs. 76ers

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-orlando-desmond-bane-high-honors-nba-executives-2025-26-season');   ga('set', 'title', 'Magic, Desmond Bane receive high honors from NBA executives entering 2025-26 season');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Magic-news-Orlando-Desmond-Bane-receive-high-honors-from-NBA-executives-entering-2025-26-season.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>Magic, Desmond Bane receive high honors from NBA executives entering 2025-26 season</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-09T10:12:53-07:00">October 9th, 10:12am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-09T10:12:53-07:00">October 9th, 10:12am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Mini-Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Orlando Magic and new guard Desmond Bane are <a href="https://www.nba.com/news/2025-26-nba-gm-survey" rel="noopener">drawing praise across the league</a> as attention shifts toward the 2025-26 season. In the NBA’s annual general manager survey released this week, the Magic earned top recognition in multiple categories, while Bane was voted one of the most undervalued offseason additions.</p><p>With the regular season set to tip off in two weeks, Orlando emerged as the overwhelming choice for most improved team, earning 47% of the vote — well ahead of the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers, who tied for second at 20% each.</p><p>Bane topped the most underrated acquisition category, receiving 17% of the votes, followed by Denver’s Cam Johnson (13%) and Atlanta’s Kristaps Porzingis (10%). The 26-year-old guard also placed second for acquisition expected to make the biggest impact, collecting 17% of votes behind Houston’s Kevin Durant, who led the field with 73%.</p><h2><b>Injuries derailed Magic’s 2024-25 campaign but fueled key offseason changes</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Paolo-Banchero-and-Jayson-Tatum.jpg"><figcaption>Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Magic’s presence across the survey’s major categories represents a clear shift in perception. After a 2024-25 season marred by injuries and inconsistency, Orlando finished 41-41 and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-franz-wagner-makes-guarantee-after-hard-fought-playoff-loss-to-celtics">fell to the Boston Celtics in five games</a> in the first round of the playoffs. The Celtics, defending champions at the time, were later eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals.</p><p>Injuries played a defining role in Orlando’s season. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner both sustained torn oblique injuries that sidelined them for extended stretches, disrupting the team’s offensive rhythm and depth. Banchero, who earned his first All-Star selection the previous season before being sidelined, still finished the year averaging 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Wagner averaged 24.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists before suffering his own oblique tear in December.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-orlando-president-provides-updates-jalen-suggs-moritz-wagner-injuries">Jalen Suggs underwent arthroscopic surgery</a> in March to remove a cartilage fragment from his left knee, ending his season prematurely, while Moritz Wagner tore his ACL in December and missed the remainder of the campaign. The injuries forced Orlando to adjust its rotations and rely heavily on its bench, testing the team’s overall depth and adaptability.</p><p>Despite the setbacks, the Magic showed growth under head coach Jamahl Mosley and entered the offseason determined to strengthen their backcourt and shooting. The front office addressed those needs by <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-why-desmond-bane-no-limits-orlando-after-grizzlies-trade">acquiring Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies</a> and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-orlando-offseason-acquisition-jalen-suggs-jumping-for-joy">signing veteran point guard Tyus Jones</a> to a one-year deal.</p><h2><b>Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones’ arrivals position Magic among East’s rising contenders</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Desmond-Bane-and-Tyus-Jones.jpg"><figcaption>Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption></figure><p>Bane’s combination of efficiency, shooting, and physicality has been viewed around the league as an ideal complement to Orlando’s young core of Banchero, Wagner, and Suggs. Last season with Memphis, he averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from three. Over his career, he has maintained a 41% three-point mark — a consistency that should immediately help a Magic team that ranked near the bottom of the league in perimeter scoring efficiency.</p><p>Jones, meanwhile, brings stability and leadership to the second unit. The 29-year-old averaged 10.2 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.4 rebounds last season with the Phoenix Suns while shooting 41.4% from beyond the arc. His experience running different offenses and managing tempo is expected to complement the team’s defensive identity.</p><p>The survey also recognized Orlando as the third-best team in the Eastern Conference, receiving 60% of the vote behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (63%) and New York Knicks (53%). The acknowledgment signals that the Magic’s progress is no longer going unnoticed — their development, personnel upgrades, and improving offensive structure have positioned them among the conference’s rising contenders.</p><p>With Bane’s arrival, Jones’ veteran poise, and a healthy core returning, Orlando enters the 2025-26 campaign with momentum and credibility. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-news-why-paolo-banchero-orlando-will-be-judged-on-winning">Magic open the season on October 22</a> at the Kia Center against the Miami Heat, aiming to validate the growing belief among league executives that they are ready to contend for a top-tier playoff run.</p><p>If the team can maintain its health and consistency, the GM survey may prove prophetic — not just a reflection of optimism, but an early sign that Orlando’s breakthrough season is finally on the horizon.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Magic, Desmond Bane receive high honors from NBA executives entering 2025-26 season

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/orlando-magic/magics-paolo-banchero-fires-99-percent-claim-about-desmond-bane');   ga('set', 'title', 'Magic’s Paolo Banchero fires ’99 percent’ claim about Desmond Bane');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Magic-news-Paolo-Banchero-fires-99-percent-claim-about-Desmond-Bane.jpg"><figcaption>Mike Watters-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Magic’s Paolo Banchero fires ’99 percent’ claim about Desmond Bane</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-07T23:35:04-07:00">October 7th, 11:35pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-07T23:35:04-07:00">October 7th, 11:35pm</time><address><a>Paolo Mariano</a>Paolo Mariano is a freelance writer, editor, and producer based in Manila, Philippines. He is a journalism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas and the father of a young girl whose personality swings from Simone Biles to Dillon Brooks. A beacon of objectivity, he believes Penny Hardaway is the true NBA GOAT.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero is confident they have the tools to be a strong contender in the Eastern Conference. They have flirted with success in recent years, and it’s only a matter of time until they get over the hump.</p><p>For Banchero, guard Desmond Bane could be the missing piece. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/move-orlando-magic-still-make-2025-nba-free-agency">Magic acquired Bane in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies</a> in exchange for Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and future first-round picks.</p><p>Many felt Orlando gave up way too much, but Banchero believes the front office made the right decision, describing the 27-year-old Bane <a href="https://andscape.com/features/orlando-magic-guard-desmond-bane-the-perfect-match-for-the-franchise/" rel="noopener">as a “great fit.”</a></p><p>“He adds what we’re missing, and he also adds to what we already have. It’s like the perfect match. We don’t have anybody who can make shots like him, who can kind of leverage the way he is able to make shots, then make plays for others and get downhill and create,” said Banchero in a report from Andscape’s Marc Spears.</p><p>Bane spent five years with the Grizzlies, blossoming into one of the more underrated two-way players in the league. Last season, he averaged 19.2 points, a career-high 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. He also shot a career-best 48.4% from the field.</p><p>The 22-year-old Banchero pointed out that Bane’s physique should bode well for them, even making a bold claim that might raise not a few eyebrows.</p><p>“He’s a Swiss Army knife as a player, as a guard. He is stronger than 99 percent of the guards in the league with how he’s built. He’s going to fit into what we do,” stressed the one-time All-Star.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/orlando-magic/magic-paolo-banchero-bold-predictions-2025-26-season">Banchero was limited to just 45 games last season</a> due to a torn oblique. He averaged career-highs of 25.9 points and 7.5 rebounds on top of 4.6 assists.</p><p>With Banchero, Bane, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs forming the core, the Magic could abracadabra their way to a third straight appearance in the playoffs.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2025-26 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
19.0	4.8	3.0	0.5	0.3

2025-26 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
19.0	4.8	3.0	0.5	0.3

Desmond Bane

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Magic, Desmond Bane receive high honors from NBA executives entering 2025-26 season

Magic’s Paolo Banchero fires ’99 percent’ claim about Desmond Bane

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