Desmond Bane’s message to Magic ahead of historic opportunity vs Pistons

The Orlando Magic enter Game 5 with a chance to advance in the playoffs for the first time since 2010, and Desmond Bane delivered a clear message as the team prepares to face the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.

Orlando holds a 3-1 series lead in the first-round matchup, putting the No. 8 seed in position to close out the series at 7:00 p.m. ET on Prime Video. If the Magic secure the series, they would become just the seventh No. 8 seed in NBA history to defeat a No. 1 seed in a playoff series.

Bane emphasized the urgency and mindset required with the season potentially on the line for both sides.

“The season’s on the line, you know, I mean everybody works so hard to get into the playoffs and when you get to the playoffs you want to have success in the playoffs. Until it’s over everybody has got belief. So, we gotta take that from them.”

Orlando has built its advantage through a combination of defensive intensity and balanced offensive production. Bane’s perimeter shooting, highlighted by his Game 3 performance in which he tied the franchise playoff record for three-pointers made, has provided a key spark alongside the team’s core.

"𝑈𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟, 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦'𝑠 𝑔𝑜𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑓. 𝑾𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒂 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎."

– Desmond Bane (@DBane0625)#Magic look to close out the #Pistons tonight in Detroit. Orlando hasn't won a playoff series since 2010.#EverybodyIn pic.twitter.com/PZnIrQOyzz

— Daren Stoltzfus WESH (@DarenStoltzfus) April 29, 2026

Desmond Bane, Paolo Banchero emphasize execution as Magic eye historic closeout

Paolo Banchero has anchored the offense throughout the series, consistently drawing defensive attention while facilitating opportunities for teammates. His ability to impact the game across multiple areas has helped Orlando maintain control in critical stretches.

Banchero echoed Bane’s focus on execution as the series shifts to a pivotal Game 5.

“It’s gonna be a helluva game. Both teams are going to be playing extremely hard and it’s just gonna come down to who can execute the best and who could make enough plays in the end to win the game. So, I’m excited for the opportunity. I know the team is ready.”

The Pistons, who entered the postseason as the No. 1 seed after a 60-win regular season, now face elimination and are expected to respond with urgency on their home floor. Detroit has shown resilience throughout the series, but Orlando has capitalized on key moments to build its lead.

For the Magic, the focus remains on maintaining composure and executing their game plan. With a chance to close out the series, Bane’s message reflects a team intent on finishing the job and taking advantage of a rare postseason opportunity.

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