NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat
On December 9, 2025, at the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, the Orlando Magic faced off against the Miami Heat in the quarterfinals of the highly anticipated NBA Cup. Right from the opening tip, Miami established dominance, racing ahead with an impressive 15-0 run, leaving the Magic in a precarious position.
However, the Magic, led by standout guard Desmond Bane, wouldn’t be deterred. Bane, who had a sensational performance throughout the night, ignited a comeback rally for Orlando, enabling them to surpass the Heat with a narrow 47-46 lead just before halftime.
Final Quarter and Victory
As the final quarter unfolded, the Magic maintained their momentum and ultimately secured a 117-108 victory. Bane’s remarkable contribution of 37 points was pivotal for the team, especially in the absence of star forward Franz Wagner, who was sidelined for the game.
Looking Ahead
This victory propels the Magic into the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the late game between the New York Knicks and the Toronto Raptors. Additionally, the win comes with a financial bonus for the players, with each full-time member of the Magic earning a significant $106,187 as the stakes increase during each phase of the NBA Cup.
The stakes are even higher for those who secure the championship, as they stand to earn an impressive $530,933, a considerable uptick from the rookie minimum salary of $1.366 million.
