Desmond Bane proving to be missing piece for the Magic

Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) shoots a three-point basket against Detroit Pistons forward Duncan Robinson (55) during the second half of Game 4 of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Kia Center. Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Desmond Bane proving to be missing piece for the Magic

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Apr 27, 2026 11:57 PM ET

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As the Orlando Magic are on the verge of knocking off the Eastern Conference's top seed in the first round, they're benefiting from exactly what they were missing in the playoffs one year ago.

Desmond Bane, 27, who the Magic acquired in a summer trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, has proven to be the difference-maker against the Detroit Pistons. Bane has sunk 14 three-pointers through the first four games of the series as Orlando holds a commanding 3-1 series lead.

Desmond Bane has been stacking clutch threes in the series against Detroit

In game four on Monday night, Bane hit five threes en route to scoring 22 points in 37 minutes. The Magic won the game 94-88. And in game three, Bane connected on a series-high seven as part of his 25-point performance. He shot 77.8% from three and then followed that up by connecting on 50% of his long-range shots.

Even though Bane only went 1-for-8 from three in the series opener, it's always only a matter of time until such a skilled shooter gets going and finds a rhythm.

DESMOND BANE CLUTCH THREE https://t.co/TJyU8Z6kaK pic.twitter.com/8FumDI4nqd
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 28, 2026

Bane registered a 48.4% overall shooting mark during the 2025-26 regular season, matching his exact percentage from his last season with the Grizzlies. He also shot 39.1% from three.

Playing in all 82 games in the regular season, Bane enjoyed averages of 20.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

Bane has fixed Orlando's biggest flaw from last season

And while Orlando's postseason success has been a team effort, Bane has validated his addition as the missing piece for the Magic. Last season, Orlando ranked last in team three-point percentage at 31.8. Bane now carries a career 40.7% clip from three, making him one of the league's most efficient beyond-the-arc shooters in the last six years.

Bane is now tasked with helping Orlando finish the job, and by doing so, getting into the second round for the only second time in his career. But more importantly, upsetting Detroit and advancing would mark the first playoff series win for the Magic since 2010.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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