Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Beat Miami Heat 136-115 in Preseason Finale Behind Banchero, Bane
Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane combine for 47 points as Orlando closes preseason with a 21-point victory and turns its attention to the regular-season opener.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Paolo Banchero scored 24 points and Desmond Bane added 23 as the Orlando Magic defeated the Miami Heat 136-115 on Friday night at Kia Center to close their preseason.
Orlando coach Sean Sweeney credited improved transition defense and unselfish offense for helping the Magic settle into the game after Miami’s fast-paced start.
The victory provided encouraging signs heading into the regular season, although players and coaches emphasized that Orlando’s defense remains a work in progress.
Ball Movement, Bane’s Aggressiveness Lift Orlando
Sweeney said the Magic adjusted to Miami’s speed as the game progressed, allowing Orlando to establish its offense.
“Offensively, we did a pretty good job of sharing the ball again — attacking that way,” Sweeney said.
Bane’s willingness to seek perimeter shots also stood out.
“I thought his aggressiveness was great and he’s got to keep building on it,” Sweeney said.
Sweeney said the preseason gave the starters an opportunity to establish a rhythm while learning how to respond to pressure.
“There is definitely some value in that, anytime you face adversity and have to come back it’s important,” he said.
Defense Remains a Priority
Despite the 21-point victory, Desmond Bane said Orlando’s defensive performance fell short of the team’s expectations.
“I think that we did some things well, especially on the offensive end,” Bane said. “But defensively we knew they were going to be playing fast.”
Bane said the Magic needed to do a better job containing the ball.
“We did okay,” he said. “Good enough to win but not to our standard.”
Nikola Vucevic said limiting Miami’s transition opportunities helped Orlando regain control of the pace and establish its preferred style.
“I think once we took care of that, it was much better,” Vucevic said. “Obviously, offensively it was a really good game for us. I think defensively there’s still room to grow.”
Vucevic said learning a new system requires patience, continued work and adjustments.
“We have to continue to work on it step by step, but there’s definitely a lot of positives,” he said.
Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives toward the basket against Miami Heat defenders during the preseason finale Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. The Magic won 136-115. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.
Vucevic, Bitadze Provide Options Inside
Sweeney praised Vucevic and Goga Bitadze for their preseason contributions, pointing to their different strengths at center.
He highlighted Vucevic’s offensive skills, defensive communication and rebounding, along with Bitadze’s work on the boards, spacing and defensive impact.
“They’ve impacted the game in positive ways every time they’ve played,” Sweeney said.
Vucevic also credited the starters with establishing the team’s intensity and said the reserves must maintain that standard.
“I think also for us, coming off the bench, it’s important that we continue and keep up the same level of play,” he said.
Wagner, Richardson, Penda to Be Re-evaluated
Sweeney provided updates on three Magic players following the game.
Jase Richardson experienced back soreness, Noah Penda had right hamstring tightness and Franz Wagner had right shoulder soreness.
“Those guys will be re-evaluated,” Sweeney said.
He did not provide a timetable for their returns.
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra speaks with reporters following Miami’s 136-115 preseason loss to the Orlando Magic on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, at Kia Center in Orlando, Fla. Photo by Florida National News
Spoelstra Sees Progress Despite Loss
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra credited Orlando’s performance while maintaining that the Heat had made meaningful progress during training camp.
“Orlando competed and played very well, particularly those last three quarters,” Spoelstra said. “But these last 20 days have been very productive for our basketball team.”
Spoelstra said improving defensive chemistry remains a priority. He also emphasized that Miami’s depth will influence its rotations throughout the season.
“Our depth is a big strength of ours, and we will be maximizing our depth throughout the course of the season,” he said.
What’s Next for the Orlando Magic?
The Magic open the regular season against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. at Kia Center.
Orlando enters the opener looking to build on its offensive execution while improving transition defense, containing dribble penetration and monitoring the three players awaiting re-evaluation.
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Staff: Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com | Harry Castiblanco, Photographer
Central Florida News
Commissioner Uribe Announces New Date for Hispanic Heritage Festival Due to Weather
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Commissioner Uribe announced that the Hispanic Heritage Festival has been rescheduled due to weather conditions. The event will now take place Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon at Cypress Grove Park, 290 Holden Ave., Orlando.
The festival will celebrate the rich history, cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities through live music, dance performances, food and community resources.
Scheduled highlights include:
- Live music by youth orchestra The Nucleus Orchestral.
- Dance performances featuring Maria Saavedra of FusionFest with Huellas de Colombia, Unidos for Ecuador and Mexico Dansa.
- Food from Zaza.
- Community resources from 311 and other participants.
Join Commissioner Uribe and the community for a morning celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage.
NEW DATE: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026
TIME: 9 a.m. to noon
LOCATION: Cypress Grove Park
ADDRESS: 290 Holden Ave., Orlando, FL 32839
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