Bane’s 25-Point Outburst Puts Magic Up 2-1, Matches Franchise Playoff Three-Point Mark
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ORLANDO, Fla. — Desmond Bane ignited the Magic’s offense in Game 3, scoring 25 points on 9-of-18 shooting and drilling 7-of-9 attempts from beyond the arc to lift Orlando to a 2-1 lead over the top-seeded Detroit Pistons.
Bane’s seven triples tied Dennis Scott’s franchise postseason record for makes in a single game. After modest outings of 17 and 12 points in the first two contests, the guard’s breakout performance Saturday forced Detroit to adjust defensively.
“Hopefully, I break the record before these playoffs are over,” Bane said. Teammate Franz Wagner added that Bane’s long-range accuracy “opens up another dimension for our group.”
Isaac Out for Game 4
Forward Jonathan Isaac, previously listed as doubtful, has been ruled out of Monday’s Game 4 with a left knee sprain. He has not appeared since March 12, logging only one minute that night, and has not played double-digit minutes since Feb. 26. Isaac was available for 52 games during the regular season.
Cain Earning Trust
Reserve wing Jamal Cain, whose box-score numbers are modest, continues to draw praise for his defensive versatility and hustle. “He just does all the little things—rebounding, guarding multiple players—without saying anything,” head coach Jamahl Mosley said. Bane noted that Cain’s energy and unselfish play were evident “back in open gym,” adding, “Those guys don’t grow on trees.” Although Cain was on Miami’s roster during its 2022-23 run from the No. 8 seed to the NBA Finals, this is his first time logging playoff minutes.
Historic Series Lead
The Magic are leading a playoff series after three or more games for the first time in 16 years. “Once we got into the play-in, got our spot in the playoffs—it’s a new season, that’s all we kept saying,” forward Paolo Banchero explained. Guard Jalen Suggs said the team understands “the magnitude” of Game 4 and plans to build on Saturday’s performance.
Source: Hoops Rumors
