Desmond Bane and the Orlando Magic showed resilience and grit in their clash against the Los Angeles Clippers, bouncing back from a heart-wrenching double-overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns the night before. The Magic emerged victorious with a tight 111-109 win, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion.
Bane was once again the star of the show. After dropping 34 points and shooting an impressive 66% from the field against the Suns, he upped the ante against the Clippers. Scoring 36 points, Bane went toe-to-toe with Kawhi Leonard, who put up 37 points, leading his team to a hard-fought victory.
Reflecting on the game, Bane praised the team's resilience. Having experienced similar challenges during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, he understands the emotional toll such losses can take.
"Last night was emotional," Bane said. "Double overtime game lost at the buzzer.
I remember last year in Memphis we lost three games in a row like that. It felt like the backbreaker of our season.
So, I'm really proud of our group."
As the game wound down, the Magic had to fend off a late surge from the Clippers. After Leonard hit a mid-range shot to bring the Clippers within two points, Bane's shot was blocked with eight seconds left. The Clippers had one last chance, but Benedict Mathurin's three-point attempt at the buzzer didn't connect, sealing the win for Orlando.
The Magic's defensive effort was crucial, especially in the closing minutes. "We were talking, we were physical," Bane noted.
"Wendell coming down with huge rebounds was key. That was kind of the backbreaker for us in Phoenix.
But today, we finished possessions and got the stops when it mattered."
This marks the ninth time this season Bane has scored 30-plus points, indicating he's finding his groove in his first season with the Magic. "I just think it's chemistry," Bane explained.
"Being a new piece on the team and with Anthony Black stepping up, everything takes time. But I feel like I'm in a good spot; trusting my work and just playing hard."
Desmond Bane's performance and the Magic's determination are setting a promising tone for the rest of their season.