The Orland Magic (40-28) emphatically opened their 8-game home stand as Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner combined for 51 points to power their team to a resounding 111-98 win over the Toronto Raptors (23-45) on Monday at Kia Center.
For the second game in three days, Orlando’s frontcourt duo of Banchero and Wagner stood tall over their competition, giving the Raptors all kinds of matchup problems throughout the game.
Banchero came through with another terrific all-around performance, recording 29 points (11-for-16 FG), 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in 36 minutes of play. Wagner posted a similarly impressive stats line with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in 31 minutes.
pov: @Pp_doesit for threeee pic.twitter.com/XXSgAa95ks
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 18, 2024
After leading 52-47 at the break, the Magic began to take advantage of their size and length in the second half. Banchero, Wagner, and Wendell Carter Jr. again connived to spearhead Orlando’s 35-point run in the third quarter, padding the lead up to 15 points heading into the payoff period.
The Raptors never got a chance to get back into the game as the Magic continued to hit their shots down the stretch. Jordan Nwora came off the bench to lead the visiting team with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Gary Trent Jr. settled with 15 points after dropping 31 points two days ago.
“win #40 … we just want to keep rollin'”@Pp_doesit on the W pic.twitter.com/YzoL9dFElM
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 18, 2024
The Magic, who extended their winning streak to 3 games, shot 50.6 FG% and held down the Raptors to 44 FG%.
Orlando will resume their home stand on March 19 against the Charlotte Hornets.
THE CONVERSATION.