Desmond Bane emphasized execution and resilience after the Orlando Magic secured a 113-105 win over the Detroit Pistons to take a 2-1 series lead.
“I thought it was huge. That’s what the playoffs is about,” Bane said. “Teams are going to make runs… but we was able to regain the momentum, make the plays when they mattered and find a way to get a win and protect home court.”
Orlando closed the game on a 9-0 run after losing a 17-point fourth-quarter lead, responding after Detroit briefly took control late.
“We talked about it. We had a good practice yesterday,” Bane said. “I like our attitude, our resilience. I thought it was great.”
The guard finished with 25 points and knocked down seven three-pointers, tying a franchise playoff record previously held by Dennis Scott.
“Yeah, it’s super cool,” Bane said. “My first year here, laying the foundation for hopefully a long time here in Orlando, but super cool.”
He quickly shifted focus back to team goals rather than individual milestones.
“Hopefully we go break it before this postseason’s over with,” Bane said.
Bane also addressed a brief injury scare late in the game after grabbing his leg during a stoppage.
“I was tired. I was cramping my hamstring. I’m fine,” Bane said. “We got a good medical staff… I could have went back in the game, but we had it secured.”
The atmosphere at Kia Center played a role in Orlando’s energy, especially during key stretches.
“They brought it tonight. I thought they were huge from the tip,” Bane said. “It was super dope… I’m looking forward to Monday.”
Detroit’s late surge tested Orlando’s composure, something Bane believes reflects the team’s growth over the season.
“We’ve had moments where a run like that would derail us,” Bane said. “We go apart instead of come together. That’s the growth of this team.”
He credited the group’s ability to stay connected and execute under pressure.
“I think that we’ve taken huge strides in that area and it’s going to be important for us as we continue to move deeper in this postseason,” Bane said.
Late-game execution centered around Orlando’s primary playmakers.
“Shout out Paolo, shout out Boog,” Bane said. “Those are our two stars right there… guys that you can go to to make plays, hit big shots.”
The physical nature of the series has also stood out through three games.
“I think we’re both getting to know each other,” Bane said. “Two physical teams that pride themselves on the defensive end.”
Bane highlighted preparation and film study as key factors heading into Game 4.
“Keep leaning on each other. Keep diving into the game plan,” Bane said. “We’re going to go and watch the film tomorrow… see what we did well, see what we can clean up.”
His message remained consistent when discussing expectations for the rest of the series.
“You want to just continue to get better as this postseason goes on,” Bane said.
