Jonathan Isaac weighed in on the league’s new NBA Cup court designs on Tuesday night, calling them “a little bit of a distraction” shortly after Orlando’s 117–108 win over the Miami Heat in the quarterfinal round.
According to The Athletic, Isaac said, “I would say (they’re) a little bit of a distraction, and that’s just me personally. Minnesota’s court was like you could see the colors coming off the ground onto the players’ jerseys and stuff (on TV). That’s just a little much. I feel like if we tone it down just a little bit, it’d be better.”
His comments came on a night when Orlando leaned on its perimeter shooting and depth to move to 15–10 and earn a semifinal matchup with the New York Knicks on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Desmond Bane produced his most complete outing of the season, matching his season high with 37 points and guiding the Magic through a decisive fourth-quarter surge.
He opened the final period with two 3-pointers and a three-point play, turning a 90–84 lead into a 96–83 advantage in little more than two minutes.
Miami never trimmed the deficit below nine until the final minute, unable to counter Orlando’s rhythm from beyond the arc.
The Magic shot 15-for-32 from deep and finished the game at 51% overall, overcoming an early Miami burst.
The Heat opened with a 15–0 run after making their first six shots, but their perimeter accuracy faded, resulting in an 8-for-33 performance from three-point range.
Tyler Herro went 0-for-6 from the arc and missed an open corner look with 37 seconds left that could have cut the deficit to four.
Norman Powell led Miami with 21 points, while Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins each added 19 in a balanced starting effort.
Herro finished with 20 points but faced consistent pressure from Orlando’s guards, limiting Miami’s half-court flow.
Davion Mitchell generated nine assists, yet the Heat bench was outscored 31–18, a margin that proved costly as the game tightened late.
Orlando played without Franz Wagner for the first time this season after he suffered a high ankle sprain expected to sideline him for several weeks.
Jalen Suggs stepped into a larger role and provided 20 points, helping stabilize the offense alongside Paolo Banchero, who contributed 18 points and seven rebounds.
Wendell Carter Jr. anchored the interior with 14 points and 10 rebounds on 6-for-8 shooting, while Anthony Black added 10 points and seven assists.
Isaac, Tristan da Silva and Goga Bitadze combined for 18 points off the bench, helping Orlando build a 47–39 advantage on the glass.
The Magic outscored Miami 33–26 in the third quarter, using Bane’s shot-making and Banchero’s interior work to create separation they protected throughout the fourth.
Miami dropped to 14–11 and will return home to face the Toronto Raptors on Monday.
