SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Franz Wagner delivered a stellar 31-point performance, Paolo Banchero added 23 points and nine assists, and the Orlando Magic secured a resounding 130-111 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. The win not only ended Orlando’s four-game losing streak but also snapped their seven-game road drought, spoiling Zach LaVine’s debut with Sacramento in the process.
A Gritty and Spirited Effort
After struggling to find consistency on both ends of the floor in previous outings, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley praised his team’s energy and focus.
“After the past couple games of us trying to find our way on both sides of the basketball, I thought it was a very gritty and spirited effort,” Mosley said. “We talked about this over the past couple days – finding the right spirit, the right energy with the group, being able to play as a collective the right way. We controlled the controllables a lot through this game, so I think it was just a gritty, spirited effort.”
Orlando’s offensive efficiency was on full display, shooting 56.8 percent from the field and 51.6 percent from beyond the arc. It was the eighth time this season the Magic shot over 50 percent from the floor and the third time they eclipsed the 50 percent mark from three-point range. Taking care of the ball was another key component of the win, as they committed only 11 turnovers, with just eight before the closing minutes when the game was essentially decided.
Wagner was exceptional, reaching the 30-point mark for the 11th time this season and extending his streak of consecutive 20-point games to 16. He showcased his scoring versatility by finishing on drives, post-ups, stepbacks, and spot-up jumpers, including an impressive 5-of-6 shooting from deep.
Banchero played a pivotal role as well, not just as a scorer but also as a facilitator, dishing out nine assists. Anthony Black contributed 15 points off the bench, playing with significantly more aggression than in recent games. Cole Anthony, in a starting role, chipped in 14 points, while Goga Bitadze provided a perfect shooting night, going 7-for-7 from the field for 14 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
Holding just a two-point lead at halftime, the Magic erupted in the third quarter, outscoring the Kings by 19 points. The 42-point period was Orlando’s highest-scoring quarter of the season. A pivotal 18-4 run, capped by an alley-oop dunk from Bitadze, blew the game open and put the Magic in full control with an 80-64 lead.
By the fourth quarter, the Magic led by as many as 30 points, ensuring a comfortable finish to the game.
Making his debut for the Kings after being acquired from the Bulls in a three-team trade, LaVine finished with 13 points. Domantas Sabonis led Sacramento with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while DeMar DeRozan contributed 19 points. Despite Sabonis’ strong first half (16 points, 10 rebounds), the Kings couldn’t keep up with Orlando’s torrid second-half pace.
Sacramento, which had won seven straight at home entering the game, saw its streak come to an abrupt end against a relentless Magic squad.
Key Stats
– Magic shot 56.8% from the field (50-88)
– Magic shot 51.6% from three-point range (16-31)
– Magic made 93.3% of their free throws (14-15)
– Magic had 104 points through three quarters
Looking Ahead
Both teams are back in action on Thursday night. The Magic will travel to Denver to face the Nuggets, while the Kings head to Portland to take on the Trail Blazers.
