ORLANDO, FL – The Orlando Magic (40-28) took down the Toronto Raptors (23-45) 111-96 in front of a sellout crowd at the Kia Center. With this win, the Magic continue to keep pace in the very closely contested Eastern Conference, where teams are separated by as little as two wins.
After being limited in his scoring in their game in Toronto on Friday, Paolo Banchero was back in true form on Sunday, leading the Magic in scoring with 29 points, followed by Franz Wagner with 22 points, essentially carrying the Magic on the night.
Orlando dominated in the paint, boasting a 60-48 point advantage. They focused on defense, holding the Raptors to under 30% shooting from deep and limiting key Raptors scorer Gary Trent to 15 points on the night.
Orlando also clamped down on Toronto’s fast break points this time.
“I definitely think they did a great job taking on that challenge,” said Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosley. “They had 37 transition points last time we played them. To hold them to 16 tonight, I think it’s something that we made a point of emphasis. The guys did a great job of homing in on that.”
The Magic also continue to prioritize defensive intensity and take pride in keeping teams under 100 points.
“Extremely important,” said Franz Wagner. “I think that’s our identity and I think as the season goes on, there’s stuff always that you kind of figure out. Communication that’s getting easier and more of a habit. I think you see that with our group a little bit and we have to make sure that we keep that going. Obviously, stay focused there towards the home stretch.”
This game marks the beginning of an 8-game homestand for the Magic, one of the longest in team history.
Next, the Magic face the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday, March 9th at the Kia Center.
