How Desmond Bane used the Grizzlies’ experience to learn from the Suns’ loss

ByNBAUSA


The The Orlando Magic responded to Saturday’s devastating double overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns with a 111-109 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night, relying on Desmond Baneleadership and scoring to stabilize the group. Bain drew from what he described as “backbreaker” during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies to ensure Orlando avoids a similar slide.

Bane finished with 36 points, five rebounds, two steals and one assist while shooting 13-for-19 from the field, 4-for-6 from 3-point range and 6-for-10 from the free throw line in 32 minutes. He posted a team-high plus-12 rating as the Magic improved to 30-26 on the season.

After the game, Bane reflected on the emotional situation the night before A 113-110 loss in Phoenix that ended at the buzzer.

“I think that’s huge. Last night was emotional. Double overtime, losing the signal. I was talking to some guys, like I remember last year in Memphis, we lost three games in a row like that. I felt like it was a turning point in our season just because you’re so emotional and you’re there, but you really wanted to get out of our pro group.

The Grizzly Lessons shape Desmond Bane’s influence with Magic

Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bain (3) is interviewed by FanDuel Sports Network reporter Kendra Douglas after the game against the LA Clippers at the Intuit Dome.
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Bain’s comments referred to a stretch with Memphis last season where back-to-back close losses halted the Grizzlies’ momentum. Instead of letting history repeat itself, he emphasized poise and defensive discipline against Los Angeles, helping the Magic avoid what he described as a potential emotional letdown.

The 27-year-old guard, too dealt with its growth during his first season with the Orlando Magic, noting the adjustment period that followed his arrival.

“Yeah, I just think it’s chemistry. I think I was a new person added to the team. We got Anthony Black, who stepped up this year and played a different kind of role. So I think everything takes time. I feel like I’m in a good place, I trust my work (and) I’m just playing hard.”

Bain is averaging 20.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and one steal per game in 56 appearances while shooting 48.3% from the field, 38.8% from the field and a career-high 91.3% from the free throw line in 34 minutes per contest.

Wendell Carter Jr. says Bane is ‘just what we need’

Teammate Wendell Carter Jr., who had 15 points, 14 rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes against the Clippers, praised Bain’s consistency and approach.

“He reminds me of a lot of other guys in this league, guys that have established themselves and think that no matter what, he’s going to play his game, his process is going to stay the same. He struggled a little bit at first, but one thing about it, he’s stuck with what he knows he’s good at. And now we’re seeing that benefit from what he’s doing.” It shows that he’s one of the best in his league in terms of his position, when he’s shooting the (three) ball, he’s exactly what we need, ever since that game in Portland, that’s when the needle trend just started going up.

Since the Magic’s 110-106 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 23, Bain has raised its production to 21.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 51.8% from the field, 41.9% from 3-point range and 90.4% from the line in 34.4 minutes. Those numbers put him in the 50-40-90 range in that stretch.

Orlando will finish its four-game road trip Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers (34-22) at 10:30 PM ET. With momentum regained after a narrow loss, Bain’s experience and recent surge continue to shape the Magic’s push in the second half of the season.





2026-02-23 16:09:00

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