The Orlando Magic handled business at home, cruising past the struggling Washington Wizards 126-109 on Tuesday night. Paolo Banchero matched his season-high scoring output, dropping 37 points to spearhead a dominant third quarter where Orlando outscored Washington 40-27 and never looked back. The win improves the Magic’s record to 32-28, keeping them firmly in the playoff hunt, while the Wizards fall to 16-45.
Banchero was unstoppable, showcasing his all-around game with efficient scoring inside and out. Banchero scored 37 points on 15-for-21 shooting. He grabbed five rebounds and dished out six assists on the night. His performance was pivotal in the Magic’s pull-away, as Orlando turned a slim halftime lead into a blowout.
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Desmond Bane provided strong support with 25 points, knocking down key three-pointers like a 28-footer assisted by Banchero and a 26-foot running jumper. Bane’s scoring kept the pressure on Washington’s defense throughout.
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More Magic Contributions
• Jalen Suggs scored 10 points on 5-for-9 shooting. He grabbed three rebounds and dished out nine assists. Suggs delivered crucial assists on plays for Banchero and Bane, including layups and dunks that fueled Orlando’s runs.
• Jett Howard scored 12 points and dished out two assists off the bench. He contributed with a rejection, an and-1 layup, and a 24-foot three-pointer, adding defensive spark and timely scoring.
• Jevon Carter scored 10 points off the bench. He also grabbed three rebounds and dished out six assists. Carter drained multiple threes while dishing assists to keep the offense flowing.
The Magic’s balanced attack overwhelmed the Wizards, who couldn’t match Orlando’s third-quarter surge. With the victory secured, Orlando now looks ahead to building on this momentum in their push for the postseason. Their next game is on Thursday, 3/5 at home against the Dallas Mavericks. Tip-off from the Kia Center is at 7 p.m. Eastern.
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