With an incredible shot, Desmond Bane saves the Magic at the buzzer!

So many emotions! The fans at the Kia Center were in all states last night to welcome the Blazers, who were tougher than you’d think. At the end of a tough fight, and after seeing the defeat up close, it took a genius move from Desmond Bain (22 points) to save the night and allow Orlando to get back to winning ways. Thanks to his miraculous basket, the guard also saved Paolo Banchero (28 points, 9 rebounds) from a delicate ending of the game that could have cost the Magic dearly. Upon arrival, all’s well that ends well!

Desmond Bain’s game-winning funny three. The NBA is CRAZY tonight pic.twitter.com/dhh3ato3TS

— Whistle (@WhistleSports) November 11, 2025

During the first half, Portland tried everything to destabilize the Floridians, with a zone defense in the series, but also with aggressiveness in the attack to prevent the Magic from breaking away. But this Magic has strong shoulders, literally and figuratively, especially considering the lineup of the Bane-Banchero-Carter Jr. trio.

The Blazers have the resources

Desmond Bain was involved in the scoring and then the passing, especially when he found Wendell Carter Jr. for a big dunk against Danny Avidia. Wendell Carter Jr., who remained aggressive near the circle, did his part, as well as Paolo Banchero, whose 2+1 at the very end of the first period allowed Orlando to keep the lead at halftime (59-56).

The pair of Sharpe-Avdi continued to cause problems for the home team, especially with three baskets including 2+1 in transition from Shaedon Sharpe to bring the score to 66-65. Franz Wagner restarted the machine, then triples by Wendell Carter Jr. and Paolo Bunchero, the author of a dunk in stride, turned the tables (76-69).

But the Blazers also have resources and they proved it at the end of the match, especially when Danny Awdia countered with 2+1 twisting his ankle. The Israeli winger gritted his teeth, and even when the deficit grew to +13 less than 9 minutes from the end on Franz Wagner’s three-pointer (96-83). Trio Sharp-Avdia-Grant held the house, but Orlando was still +9 two minutes from time thanks to Desmond Bane’s new layup with his left hand (110-101).

Paolo Banchero from shadow to light

Portland nearly pulled through most of the night, especially after Danny Avdja’s two 3-pointers froze the Magic, unable to regain the lead (110-109). Paolo Banchero nearly ruined it, missing two shots at the worst possible time, then fouling a pass between Tumani Kamara and Jerami Grant, offering an extra free throw to Grant to put Portland up +2 with 10 seconds left (110-112)!

Paolo Banchero made up for it at the wire, tying the game with a lightning fast layup (despite another missed shot along the way) and then, most notably, stealing the ball from Jrue Holiday’s hands to give the Magic one last chance with 1.9 seconds left! On the throw-in, Franz Wagner tried to find Paolo Bancher before changing his mind to Desmond Bain. Good choice! The latter drew an off-balance catch-and-shoot on the head of Toumani Kamara to deliver the Kia centre!

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Desmond Bain saves Paolo Banchero. Paolo Banchero’s ears would have been ringing if Portland had been able to pull off a win. The winger multiplied the balls in the final, notably missing a total of three shots and fouling Jeremy Grant as a bonus. Fortunately for him, his interception on Jrue Holiday changed everything and Desmond Bane showed up at the perfect time to save the day. Banchero was also the first to take Banetto into his arms after his basket

First. After the entire team and staff rightfully turned on him for his miracle basket, Desmond Bain admitted that Jamal Mosley originally designed the system for Paolo Bunchero. The latter well taken, in the end he was responsible for the winning shot. He also confided that this “buzzer” was a great first for him since his debut in the NBA.

How far will Danny Avdija go? Following on from the end of last season, the Blazers winger is on his way to the title of “Best Player” if he continues on this path! Yesterday he was everywhere again, often initiating attacks, creating gaps with his urges to go all the way or to do better for his teammates. Another full game under his belt in the finish, with these two 3-point baskets as the finishing touches that almost pulled off a nasty trick against the Magic.

Second. Did you know? Robert Williams III does not hesitate to draw from afar! The former Boston guard already had 8 three-pointers in his career for a successful attempt before this game. Self-confident, the pivot didn’t give up last night when he received the ball in the corner and did a great job breaking through the net, to everyone’s surprise! This is his second 3-pointer in his career, and his first match at 100% in practice!

How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.