Sun Dec 14 00:10:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

The Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat 117-108 to advance to the NBA Cup semifinals. Desmond Bane led the Magic with 37 points. The Magic overcame a 15-0 deficit early in the game and capitalized on the Heat’s poor 3-point shooting. The Heat were led by Norman Powell with 21 points but struggled from beyond the arc, shooting only 24.2% as a team. The Magic will play the winner of the New York-Toronto game in Las Vegas on Saturday.

News Article:

Magic Shock Heat, Advance to NBA Cup Semifinals

ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Magic punched their ticket to the NBA Cup semifinals with a decisive 117-108 victory over the Miami Heat on Tuesday night. Desmond Bane exploded for a season-high-tying 37 points, leading a Magic charge that overcame an early 15-0 deficit and silenced their in-state rivals.

Jalen Suggs contributed 20 points, and Paolo Banchero added 18 as the Magic showcased a balanced attack. The victory comes as a significant boost for Orlando, especially playing without Franz Wagner, sidelined with a high ankle sprain.

The Heat, led by Norman Powell’s 21 points, struggled to find their rhythm. A dismal 8-for-33 performance from three-point range ultimately doomed Miami, with Tyler Herro going 0-for-6 from beyond the arc, including a crucial miss in the final minute.

Bane took over in the fourth quarter, scoring key baskets and expanding the Magic’s lead, effectively putting the game out of reach. Orlando’s own strong outside shooting, going 15-for-32 (46.9%) from three, proved to be a major difference-maker.

“We knew we had to come out strong, even without Franz,” said Suggs after the game. “Desmond really stepped up, and we played as a team.”

The Magic now advance to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas on Saturday, where they will face the winner of the New York-Toronto matchup. The Heat, meanwhile, will face the loser of the same contest in a regular-season game.

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