The Orlando Magic responded to Saturday's devastating double-overtime loss to the Phoenix Suns with a 111-109 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night, relying on Desmond Benn's leadership and scoring to steady the group. What Bane described as a "backbreaker" stretch during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies ensured Orlando avoided a similar decline.
Ben finished with 36 points, five rebounds, two steals and one assist while shooting 13-for-19 from the field, 4-for-6 from 3-point range and 6-for-10 from the free-throw line in 32 minutes. He posted a team-high plus-12 rating as the Magic improved to 30–26 on the season.
After the game, Ben reflected on the emotional impact of last night's 113-110 loss in Phoenix, which ended on a buzzer-beater.
"I think it's huge. Last night was emotional. The double overtime game, losing at the buzzer. I was telling some guys, as I remember last year in Memphis, we lost three games in a row. It felt like it was like the backbreaker of our season, just because you're so emotional and you're right there, but you came with us. So I'm really proud of our group. We did it the way we wanted to do it. We're posing sitting down." And safety, so that was good to see.
On Desmond Bain #magicalBounce-back victory #shear: :
"Last night was emotional...it felt like a back-breaking event...I'm really proud of our group that we did it the way we wanted to do it." pic.twitter.com/Zj1MYkG4PO
- Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 23 February 2026
Grizzlies shape Desmond Benn's impact with text magic
Benn's comments referenced the tension with Memphis last season in which consecutive close losses stunted the Grizzlies' momentum. Rather than allow history to repeat itself, he emphasized poise and defensive discipline against Los Angeles, helping the Magic avoid a potential emotional fallout.
The 27-year-old guard also addressed his development during his first season with the Orlando Magic, noting the adjustment period following his arrival.
“Yeah, I think it's chemistry. I mean, I was like, a new member was being added to the team. We got Anthony Black, who came up and is playing a different kind of role this year. So I think everything takes time. I feel like I'm in a good place and confident in my work. [and] Just working hard.”
Bane has averaged 20.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and one steal per game in 56 appearances, while shooting 48.3% from the field, 38.8% from beyond the arc and a career-high 91.3% from the free-throw line in 34 minutes per contest.
Wendell Carter Jr. says ban is 'exactly what we need'
Teammate Wendell Carter Jr., who recorded 15 points, 14 rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes against the Clippers, praised Benn's consistency and approach.
"He reminds me of a lot of other guys in this league, guys who have established themselves and have the mentality that he's going to play his game no matter what, his process is the same. Early on, he was struggling a little bit but one thing about it is he stuck to what he knows he's good at. And now we're seeing the benefits of trading for a guy like that. So it's his continued advancement. It shows where he's been in his league in terms of his performance." One of the best conditions, shooting. [the] Three balls are out here to facilitate playmaking. Like, he's exactly what we need. So he's one of those guys, since the Portland game, it's kind of like that time when the needle has started to trend up and he's been climbing steadily.
#magicalWendell Carter Jr. on the influence of Desmond Bain:
"We're looking at what it would be like to make a trade for a guy like that...he's exactly what we need."
He has been called "one of the best in the league at his position". pic.twitter.com/mjICKCa7US
- Julian Ojeda (@jowepafm) 23 February 2026
Since the Magic's 110–106 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on December 23, Ben has increased his production to 21.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 51.8% from the field, 41.9% from 3-point range and 90.4% from the line in 34.4 minutes. Those numbers put him in the 50-40-90 range in that segment.
Orlando concludes its four-game road trip against the Los Angeles Lakers (34-22) on Tuesday night at 10:30 PM ET. With momentum regaining momentum after a narrow loss, Benn's experience and recent surge is helping the Magic advance in the second half of the season.
