Magic surge past Heat to clinch first spot in NBA Cup semifinals
Alta Sports4 months ago · 186 views
Photo: Getty Images
By Rafael Bandayrel
The Orlando Magic became the first team to book a ticket to the 2025 NBA Cup semifinals after defeating the Miami Heat, 117-108, in their all-Florida clash on Wednesday morning (PH time) at Kia Center.
Desmond Bane lit up the scoreboard with 37 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in a commanding performance that propelled Orlando to victory. Jalen Suggs added 20 points, while Paolo Banchero chipped in 18 to provide steady support.
The tight contest swung in the Magic’s favor early in the fourth quarter, where Bane completely took over.
He fired nine straight points to break the game open, starting with a three-pointer, followed by a strong and-one finish, then a heat-check triple that stretched the lead to 98-85.
Miami briefly threatened behind Jamie Jaquez Jr.'s valiant effort, scoring back-to-back baskets to force an Orlando timeout. But Bane came out of the break still scorching, immediately slicing through the defense for another quick two.
The Heat managed to cut the lead to seven in the final minute, but Tyler Herro misfired on a wide-open three as time ran out on Miami’s comeback bid.
With the win, the Magic advance to the next round in Las Vegas, where they await the winner of the Toronto Raptors–New York Knicks matchup.
—JMS, Alta Sports
All comments 8
Brian Scalabrine "The GOAT" "The White Mamba"
Paolo Banchero: I thought Bane was here to assist me...4 months agoReply
0
Small aircraft
bane: Those who said I wasn't worth that many draft picks, stand up and apologize to me!!4 months agoReply
0
XiangShang TianTian
4 months agoReply
0
Usopp
4 months agoReply
0
basketball beauties
4 months agoReply
0
Serving Hot
4 months agoReply
1
NBA Memes
4 months agoReply
0
Niloko Doncic
4 months agoReply
0No more comments
3
8
0
Share