Ask any fan who the greatest player in Orlando Magic history is. The answer is usually limited to just four players: Shaquille O'Neal, Penny Hardaway, Tracy McGrady and Dwight Howard.
Although he's still a long way from those legendary names, Desmond Benn is slowly making his mark in Orlando.
In his first stint with the Magic, Ben has already made game-winners and scored explosively, silencing critics who turned up their noses at the team's decision to trade for him in the offseason.
In Wednesday's 128-122 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Kia Center, Ben had another impressive performance. He scored a game-high 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting, six rebounds and six assists. He had no turnovers.
According to ESPN Insights, the 27-year-old guard became only third player O'Neal and McGrady set a team history record of 35 points, five assists and zero turnovers in a single game.
Desmond Benn is the third different player in Magic history with 35 points, 5 assists and 0 turnovers in a game.
He joins Tracy McGrady (3 times, last in 2003) and Shaquille O'Neal (1994) 🗒️ pic.twitter.com/AJzQvVvebA
- ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) 12 March 2026
Not bad at all for someone who is on his first visit to Orlando.
The Magic won their fifth consecutive game and went up 36–28. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, fell to 40-26.
The Magic dropped their last two meetings against the Cavaliers.
Many eyebrows were raised when the Magic acquired Benn from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and four unprotected first-round picks. The consensus was that the Magic gave up too much.
However, Bane has shown his worth. He got off to a slow start as he was still adjusting to his new team, but has since found his rhythm, showcasing the two-way talent that has made him one of the more dependable players in the NBA.
