Magic guard Jalen Suggs made his long-awaited return to the court to open the 2025-26 NBA season Wednesday night when Orlando hosted the Miami Heat inside a rowdy Kia Center.
Franz Wagner (24 points), Paolo Banchero (24) and Desmond Bane (23) combined to score 71 as the Magic outlasted their in-state rival 125-121 to win their third consecutive opening-night game.
In a contest that was tied 13 times and featured 10 lead changes, a pair of free throws with 6.1 seconds remaining from Magic big man Wendell Carter Jr. (9 points) put the game out of reach for Miami.
Orlando guard Desmond Bane (holding ball) screams as he battles for control with Miami guard Norman Powell (24) as Orlando guard Jalen Suggs (with white headband) is caught in the middle during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Orlando won the game 125-121. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Jalen Suggs celebrates during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Orlando won the game 125-121. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Miami forward Nikola Jovic (left) shoves Orlando forward Paolo Banchero (right) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley coaches players during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Desmond Bane (3) and forward Franz Wagner (22) celebrate during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Orlando won the game 125-121. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Franz Wagner (22) hangs on to a pass in front of Miami center Kel’el Ware (right) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Desmond Bane celebrates after a three point shot during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Desmond Bane (3) blocks a shot by Miami guard Norman Powell (24) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando center Wendell Carter Jr. celebrates during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Orlando won the game 125-121. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Paolo Banchero (5) screams in celebration as he is shoved by Miami forward Bam Adebayo (13) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Jonathan Isaac (1) reaches for a rebound during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Desmond Bane (3) is fouled by Miami guard Norman Powell (24) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Paolo Banchero (white jersey) scores over Miami forward Nikola Jovic (dark jersey) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Miami coach Erik Spoelstra signals during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Desmond Bane (3) shoots around Miami forward Nikola Jovic (5) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley coaches during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forwards Tristan da Silva, left, and Paolo Banchero, right, celebrate during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Anthony Black (0) screams in celebration as he slam dunks over Miami forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Paolo Banchero (5) leaps to shoot over Miami guard Davion Mitchell (45) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Anthony Black (right) pulls in a rebound beside Miami center Kel’el Ware (7) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Jalen Suggs (4) shoots over Miami guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Jalen Suggs (0) shoots a three point shot over Miami guard Dru Smith (12) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Franz Wagner (middle) steals the ball from Miami forward Simone Fontecchio (left) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Anthony Black (0) screams in celebration as he slam dunks during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley yells during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Orlando won the game 125-121. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Anthony Black (0) screams in celebration during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Tyus Jones (2) shoots a three point shot over Miami guard Pelle Larsson (left) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Tristan da Silva (right) drives past Miami forward Simone Fontecchio (0) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Paolo Banchero (left) shoots under Miami forward Nikola Jovic (right) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Jalen Suggs gets the crowd worked up during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Orlando won the game 125-121. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando fans cheer during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Orlando won the game 125-121. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Paolo Banchero (5) passes between Miami forward Bam Adebayo (13) and guard Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Paulo Banchero (5) tries to control the ball during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Orlando won the game 125-121. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Paolo Banchero (white jersey) shoots as he is fouled by Miami forward Nikola Jovic (black jersey) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Franz Wagner celebrates after a three point shot during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Desmond Bane (3) looks to move past Miami guard Davion Mitchell (45) during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley smiles as he watches a replay on the bigscreen during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Orlando won the game 125-121. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando forward Franz Wagner celebrates during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Orlando won the game 125-121. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Orlando guard Desmond Bane cheers with fans during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Orlando won the game 125-121. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
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Orlando guard Desmond Bane (holding ball) screams as he battles for control with Miami guard Norman Powell (24) as Orlando guard Jalen Suggs (with white headband) is caught in the middle during the Miami Heat at Orlando Magic NBA game at the Kia Center on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Orlando won the game 125-121. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
“We found a way,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said after the 4-point victory. “In this league, you do have to find ways even when it’s not a pretty game. That fourth quarter was big for us being able to get the timely stops.
“You’ve got to give credit to our fans as well,” Mosley added about the 19,186 fans in the sold-out building. “They turned up.”
Wednesday’s game marked the eighth opening-night matchup between the Sunshine State foes, with the Magic improving to a 7-1 in those instances. Orlando also won two preseason games over Miami.
Both sides turned over each other plenty, with the Magic scoring 25 points off 19 takeaways and the Heat 16 off 15. For Miami, six different players ended with double figures, including offseason acquisition Norman Powell (who led the team with 28 points).
With Game 1 of 82 under their belts, the Magic return to Kia Center when they host the Hawks on Friday.
Suggs’ return
Not only did Suggs make his way back to the court Wednesday but he also started for Orlando alongside Banchero, Wagner, Carter and newcomer Bane.
Suggs found himself in foul trouble early when he picked up two fouls in the opening two minutes of the game.
Once he settled down, he looked much like his old-self, even in restricted minutes, playing a physical style of defense and helping spread the floor on offense. Playing short 2- to 3-minute stints, he totaled 14 points with 2 assists and 4 rebounds in 17 minutes.
The highlight of his night came late in the fourth quarter when he recorded a steal and finished in transition to fire up the Kia Center crowd.
“Everybody saw it,” Banchero said about Suggs’ impact on the floor. “Him starting the game hitting shots, defensively doing what he does. … Can’t say enough about what he does for our team and the player that he is.”
Rest of starters
Wagner attacked the basket in transition and helped push the pace when he sank a pair of triples to post 19 points in the first half. He powered a 14-3 run at the end of the first quarter with a steal and his first 3 from the right wing.
Bane also came out firing from 3-point range as he shot 2 for 3 from distance to get to the break with 14 points, including 10 in the first frame, after a relatively quiet preseason. But he did much more than just shoot from 3, displaying his ability to attack downhill and get to the free throw line (4 of 6 for the game).
Banchero faced Miami double teams throughout the night and he didn’t reach double digits until midway through the third quarter. The Magic forward got going on offense by forcing his way to the charity stripe, where he shot 9 of 12.
Carter, who pieced together a strong preseason, picked up his 3rd foul with 3:01 left in the 2nd quarter. He failed to make an impact on offense until he grabbed an offensive board and converted an and-one to put Orlando ahead by 2 with 3:49 left in the game.
“He didn’t let it rattle him,” Mosley said about the Magic center. “He did what he had to do get himself together at halftime. He found a way and that says so much about that young man and his growth.”
Second unit
Tyus Jones, who started throughout the preseason in place Suggs, was the first member of the Magic off the bench but struggled to find his footing on offense with a scoreless first half.
Mosley used a 10-man rotation with Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Black, Goga Bitadze and Tristan da Silva joining Jones off the bench. At least Bane, Banchero or Wagner was on the floor with some reserves at times.
After a successful summer with Germany at EuroBasket, da Silva continued to show growth on offense with 8 points in 9 first-half minutes. He added his second 3 late in the third quarter and a third triple early in the fourth to end with 16 points.
Bitadze was active on the glass on both ends with 8 rebounds (3 offensive for the game) while helping find open shooters as he assisted on 2 of Orlando’s 8 first-half 3-pointers.
Black hit a 3 to add 7 points, but Miami’s bench outscored Orlando’s 35-31.
New PA announcer
Earlier Wednesday, the Magic named Jarryd Tribble as the next public-address announcer at Kia Center, a role previously held the entire history of franchise by Paul Porter.
Tribble, who most recently served as the PA announcer for the men’s basketball program at Ohio State University, auditioned for the position during Orlando’s preseason opener.
A native of Ohio, the 40-year-old Tribble carried on the Magic tradition of telling fans to “Stand and Cheer” entering the fourth quarter of home games.
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com
Originally Published: October 22, 2025 at 9:46 PM EDT