Magic's Desmond Bane achieves Tracy McGrady status in stunning win vs. Cavs

Bane's 35-point, 6-assist, 0-turnover performance puts him in elite Magic company.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane delivered an impressive all-around performance in their 128-122 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Bane scored a game-high 35 points on 12-of-19 shooting, while also grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing out 6 assists without a single turnover. According to ESPN, Bane became only the third player in Magic history to record a 35-point, 5-assist, 0-turnover game, joining franchise legends Shaquille O'Neal and Tracy McGrady.

Why it matters

Bane's standout performance comes in just his first season with the Magic after being acquired in a blockbuster trade over the offseason. Many questioned the high price the Magic paid to land Bane, but he is quickly silencing his critics with his two-way impact and ability to put up historic stat lines like this one.

The details

Bane shot an efficient 12-of-19 from the field, including 4-of-8 from three-point range. He was a key factor in the Magic's fifth straight win, which improved their record to 36-28 on the season. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, fell to 40-26 with the loss.

  • The game took place on Wednesday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Desmond Bane

A 27-year-old guard in his first season with the Orlando Magic after being acquired in a trade from the Memphis Grizzlies.

Shaquille O'Neal

A legendary former player for the Orlando Magic, considered one of the greatest players in franchise history.

Tracy McGrady

Another iconic former player for the Orlando Magic, also regarded as one of the best to ever suit up for the team.

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What they’re saying

“Desmond Bane 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).”

— ESPN Insights (ESPN)

The takeaway

Desmond Bane's dominant performance, putting him in the same company as Magic legends Shaquille O'Neal and Tracy McGrady, demonstrates the high-level two-way impact he is already making in his first season with the team. After some initial doubts about the trade that brought him to Orlando, Bane is quickly proving his worth and establishing himself as a cornerstone piece for the Magic's future.