The Orlando Magic pulled off a thrilling 110-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, and Desmond Bane's post-game celebration made headlines for a different reason. After the final buzzer, Bane launched the game ball into the stands, a move that didn't go unnoticed by the league.
In response, the NBA has fined Bane $25,000 for his actions, a standard penalty for such violations. This was confirmed by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. It's a reminder that even in victory, emotions can sometimes lead to costly decisions.
Despite the fine, Bane's performance on the court was nothing short of impressive. He contributed significantly to the Magic's win, racking up 22 points, one rebound, six assists, and a steal.
His shooting was a mixed bag, hitting 47.3% from the field but only 25.0% from beyond the arc. Still, his efforts were crucial in securing the win.
Looking ahead, Bane will be back in action for Thursday's game against the Houston Rockets. The Magic, riding a two-game winning streak, are eager to keep the momentum going.
Sitting in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, they're eyeing a move up to the sixth seed to bypass the play-in tournament. Bane's role will be pivotal as Orlando aims to extend their streak and solidify their playoff positioning.