The Orlando Magic are back in the winning column after cruising to a 106-114 win over the Brooklyn Nets, ending a two-game losing skid.
Still licking their wounds following losses to playoff-caliber teams like the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers, the Magic vented their frustration on the Nets as they went on to drop 33 points in the first frame. Brooklyn responded by scoring 38 points in the second period to cut Orlando’s lead to seven at halftime.
Behind nine points from Paolo Banchero in the third quarter, the Magic extended their lead to 15 points at the end of the third. That lead proved enough as Orlando came away with the win despite the Nets outscoring 29-21 in the payoff period.
Banchero had a near-flawless shooting night, shooting 6-for-6 from the field and 8-for-9 from the free-throw line. The reigning Rookie of the Year was among the seven Magic players who finished in double-digit points. He finished with a team-high 21 points with three rebounds and nine assists.
Paolo Banchero vs. Brooklyn:
21 PTS
9 AST
100% FG (!)
8-9 FT
+18 +/- pic.twitter.com/QOcz6kGnag— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 14, 2024
Wendell Carter Jr. chalked up 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner tallied 14 each. After shooting below 40 percent on the floor for two consecutive games, Orlando addressed their shooting woes, shooting 51.9 percent and 43 percent from beyond the arc.
On the other hand, Cam Thomas and Mikal Bridges led the way for the Nets, recording 21 and 17 points, respectively.
Brooklyn dropped to 26-40 in the season while the Magic improved 10 games above .500 at 38-28.
Orlando sits in fifth place behind the Knicks, Bucks, Cavaliers, and Celtis in the Eastern Conference standings. However, they will have a chance to improve their position with a weaker schedule ahead as they play cellar-dwelling Toronto Raptors.
Paolo Banchero vs. Brooklyn:
21 PTS
9 AST
100% FG (!)
8-9 FT
+18 +/- pic.twitter.com/QOcz6kGnag— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 14, 2024
The Magic will visit the Raptors on March 15 before playing them again in Orlando on March 17 to kick off a nine-game home stand.
THE CONVERSATION.