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For a moment, it looked like Orlando Magic star Desmond Bane was playing volleyball in the team’s 127-112 loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.
Bane was alone as he tried to defend a fast break by Onyeka Okongwu with the Hawks up 79-65 in the third quarter.
Okongwu tried to make a layup, but Bane refused to give up the easy ball, so he fouled him and knocked him to the ground. As Okongwu fell to the ground, the ball floated in the air and Bane hit it against Okongwu’s head like a volleyball player executing a spike.
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Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane walks off the court after being ejected during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta on Nov. 4, 2025. (Colin Hubbard/AP Photo)
After a replay review, Bane was ejected from the game after receiving a technical foul and a flagrant foul for his transgression. The 27-year-old said he did not intentionally try to hit Okongwu with the ball.
“Tough foul. I mean, we talked about that: There are no easy baskets,” Bane said after the game, according to the New York Post. “Nothing on the rim. Make them see the lights (on the ceiling) and a hard foul.
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Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane (3) fouls Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Nov. 4, 2025. (Brett Davis/Image Images)
“I hit him with the ball and he just happened to hit it. And they made the decision they made.”
Bane had nine points, three rebounds and two assists in 23 minutes before being ejected. He is in his sixth NBA season and first with the Magic after being traded from the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason.
Onyeka Okongwu (17) of the Atlanta Hawks is fouled by Desmond Bane (3) of the Orlando Magic during the third quarter at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Nov. 4, 2025. After an official review, Bane was charged with a technical foul and ejected after hitting the ball at Okongwu while he was lying on the ground. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Magic fell to 3-5 with the loss and will look to bounce back against the Boston Celtics (3-5) on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
