Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bain call Jalen Suggs ‘heart and soul’ after comeback against Heat

The The Orlando Magic opened their 2025-26 season on a high note tuesday night, beating the Miami Heat 125-121 at the Kia Center in a fast-paced, physical match that marked the return of the fullback Jalen Suggs. Playing in his first game since January, Suggs quickly reminded teammates and fans why he is considered the emotional core of the team.

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 posted a team-best plus/minus of +15. It was his first game since then undergo arthroscopic surgery in February to remove a fragment of cartilage in his left knee — an injury that prematurely ended his 2024-25 season.

The former Defensive tackle 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 his teammates Paolo Banchero and Desmond Banewho both described him as “heart and soul” of the team.

“I think everybody saw that … how he started the game hitting shots,” Banchero said. “Defensively, he does what he does – I can’t say enough about what he does for our team and the player he is, so it was great to have him there.

Desmond Bane calls Jalen Suggs ‘heart and soul’ as Magic’s new core shines against Heat

Bane, who debuted after was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies this offseasonhe echoed that sentiment and talked about Suggs’ impact in key moments late in the game.

“He’s a game changer,” Bain said. “I mean, he made a big shot on offense, a big steal on defense, a rush — as soon as the crowd started getting into it, we were in a timeout with about three minutes left and he said, ‘let’s go out, we’re going to have a stop or two and this place is going to explode and just carry that momentum all the way.’ I tell him all the time, he’s the heart and soul of this thing. We’d still be a good football club without him, but he’s really the guy who puts us over the top.”

Bain added that Suggs’ presence provides an energy boost that cannot be duplicated.

“He’s an energizing bunny — every time something happens he gets the crowd going,” Bain said. “He sure brings some much needed juice.”

The game showcased the chemistry between the Magic’s newly constructed backcourt and its established core. In addition to Suggs’ efficient night, Banchero led Orlando with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Bain contributed 23 points in his first regular season game with the team. Franz Wagner had 24 points, six assists and four rebounds in 36 minutes, further solidifying Orlando’s balanced offense.

Franz Wagner praises Bain and Suggs for running the Magic deeper with a healthy roster

Wagner pointed out that both Bain and Suggs played key roles in building momentum late in the game, highlighting a moment that reflected their collective mindset.

“I was just talking about Bain, not just as a player, but that game shows his character – he’s a big scorer, but he really wants to win and play that type of game,” Wagner said. “And then Jay Suggs, it’s pretty hard to find somebody that I don’t know what happened, eight months off … six for seven, +15, that’s pretty impressive.”

Suggs’ return adds another dimension to Orlando’s guard rotation, which now features Bain’s outside shooting and veteran leadership alongside Suggs’ defensive intensity and emotional spark. The Magic finished 41-41 last season 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.

The Magic will look to build on their opening night win when they host the Atlanta Hawks (0-1) on Friday night at 7:00 PM ET as part of their three-game homestand.