Magic Overcome Early Deficit to Beat Heat 117-108 in NBA Cup Quarterfinals

10 December 2025 Basketball

Florida Rivalry Takes Centre Stage in NBA Cup

The Orlando Magic secured a thrilling comeback victory over the Miami Heat, winning 117-108 in the NBA Cup quarterfinals on 9th December 2025. Playing in their first game of the season without Franz Wagner, the Magic were led by Desmond Bane’s 37 points at the Kia Center. This matchup, known as the Sunshine State Rivalry with both teams in Florida, demonstrated why this in-state battle continues to captivate basketball fans across the nation.

Dramatic Comeback After Disastrous Start

The Magic failed to accomplish their goal of a faster start when Miami jumped out to a 15-0 lead, putting Orlando in an early hole. However, the home side refused to fold under pressure. Bane orchestrated the turnaround, particularly explosive in the fourth quarter where he scored 15 points to seal the victory. The Magic shot 46.9% from beyond the arc (15 for 32), demonstrating exceptional shooting efficiency when it mattered most.

Franz Wagner scored 32 points and Jalen Suggs added 22 in their previous encounter on 5th December, but Wagner’s absence due to a high ankle sprain forced other players to step up. Paolo Banchero, still on a minutes restriction following his own injury recovery, contributed effectively alongside Wendell Carter Jr., who recorded a double-double.

Implications and What’s Next

This victory marks the third time Orlando beat the Heat this season, establishing clear dominance in the rivalry for 2025. Orlando will face the Knicks in the Cup semifinals on Saturday, with a trip to Las Vegas on the line for the tournament’s final four. For Miami, the Heat (14-10) were attempting to break a three-game losing streak but fell short despite strong performances from Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo.

The significance extends beyond bragging rights. All eight teams left in the running for the NBA Cup are now playing for a shot at going to Las Vegas for the tournament semifinals, along with a chance of picking up more than $500,000. For Orlando, this represents a genuine opportunity to claim silverware in what has been an impressive season, whilst demonstrating their credentials as legitimate Eastern Conference contenders.