The Orlando Magic continued their hot run with a 128–122 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Kia Center on Wednesday, March 11. The Magic entered the matchup riding momentum and delivered again, stretching their winning streak to five games.
Magic’s guard, Desmond Bane, led the charge with a game-high 35 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, shooting an efficient 12-of-19 from the field and 2-of-3 from three-point range. But it wasn’t just Bane’s scoring that had the NBA world talking. Late in the fourth quarter, the Magic guard delivered a moment that quickly went viral.
NBA World Reacts to Desmond Bane’s Sam Cassell Celebration
With just under 20 seconds remaining and the Magic clinging to a slim two-point lead, Bane received an inbounds pass from teammate Jalen Suggs and drilled a catch-and-shoot three-pointer to push the Magic ahead 125–120, effectively sealing the win.
Moments after the dagger shot, Bane celebrated with the famous “Big Balls” dance — a move first popularized by former All-Star guard Sam Cassell in the 2004 NBA playoffs.
The celebration has been banned by the NBA for years because the league considers it a profane gesture. Still, that didn’t stop Bane, and the moment quickly sparked reactions across social media.
CourtsideBuzzX posted: “DESMOND BANE HIT THE DAGGER THREE, THEN HIT THE SAM CASSELL ‘BIG BALLS’ CELEBRATION! 😂😳 MAGIC WIN 5 STRAIGHT!”
DESMOND BANE HIT THE DAGGER THREE, THEN HIT THE SAM CASSELL “BIG BALLS” CELEBRATION! 😂😳
MAGIC WIN 5 STRAIGHT! pic.twitter.com/H337fCXS1N
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) March 12, 2026
WorldWideWob X handle joked: pointing to the possible fine Bane will incur for the dance: “Desmond Bane just did the $20,000 dance.”
Desmond Bane just did the $20,000 dance.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) March 12, 2026
Mario Banchero reacted with a short post: “D. Bane!!!!”
Sports reporter Mason Willimas quipped: “Desmond Bane, this is a family program!!!”
Desmond Bane, this is a family program!!!
— Mason Williams (@mvsonwilliams) March 12, 2026
“Desmond Bane getting fined for this 😭,” BrickCenter added, predicting what will follow after Bane’ head turning celebration.
Desmond Bane getting fined for this 😭 pic.twitter.com/zhCveO06k5
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) March 12, 2026
“BANE HAD TO HIT THE SAM CASSELL DANCE AFTER THAT!! 😭😭 Maybe there’s a fine coming, but Desmond Bane was loving this clutch triple to sink the Cavs!,” ESPN Australia & NZ X handle summed it up
Several NBA players have previously been fined for the same celebration. LeBron James famously received a $15,000 fine after using the move against the Indiana Pacers in 2021. Other players, including Jimmy Butler and Fred VanVleet, have also been penalized for the gesture.
Despite the possibility of a fine, neither Bane nor the Magic seemed bothered after the win.
The team’s official X account shared Bane’s postgame thoughts following the victory.
“The thing I loved about it most — I thought we just came into it with the right mindset. Right mentality. Knew what it was going to take. We were able to get it done.”
“The thing I loved about it most — I thought we just came into it with the right mindset. Right mentality. Knew what it was going to take. We were able to get it done.”
Desmond Bane on the W against Cleveland 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/WzHU82J0xl
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 12, 2026
Likewise, head coach Jamahl Mosley also praised Bane’s mentality after the game, adding, “Winner. Whatever it takes, he is going to do.”
“Winner. Whatever it takes, he is going to do.”
Coach Mosley on Desmond Bane 🗣️ https://t.co/rSCeDzr9qJ pic.twitter.com/yQSlW25rXy
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 12, 2026
Bane has been one of Magic’s most impactful additions this season. The guard was traded to the Magic from the Memphis Grizzlies on June 15, 2025, and has quickly become a key offensive weapon.
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He is currently averaging 20.6 (career high) points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 49.0% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range. With Bane leading the offense, the Magic are enjoying their best stretch of the 2025–26 season.
The team’s current five-game winning streak is their longest of the 2025-26 season after previously failing to string together more than three consecutive victories. The Magic now sits at the fifth spot in the Eastern Conference with a 36-28 record.
