ORLANDO, Fla. — In a decisive victory on Sunday night, the Orlando Magic defeated the Washington Wizards with a score of 110-90. Franz Wagner and Anthony Black were the standout performers, each contributing 23 points, while Paolo Banchero followed closely with 19 points. Notably, Black shone in the second half, scoring 18 of his career-high total during that period.
For the Wizards, Jordan Poole was the top scorer with 16 points, and Richaun Holmes added a double-double, finishing with 11 points and 10 rebounds. This loss marked the Wizards’ sixth consecutive defeat, leaving their record at 9-47 for the season.
In terms of implications from the game, the Wizards faced significant challenges. With Alex Sarr and Khris Middleton sidelined due to ankle injuries, Washington struggled defensively in the second half after managing to hold a lead for most of the first half.
On the other side, the Magic were eager for a win after a narrow loss to the Memphis Grizzlies just days prior. This victory was especially crucial as they embarked on a seven-game homestand, with tough matchups against Cleveland and Golden State looming on the schedule.
A pivotal moment in the game occurred early in the second half, when Wendell Carter Jr. and Wagner collectively scored 14 points during a 22-6 run that transformed a slender two-point lead into a commanding 18-point advantage for the Magic.
An interesting statistic from the game highlighted Orlando’s performance from beyond the arc. Despite ranking last in the NBA for three-point shooting, they improved significantly in the second half, making 9 of 22 attempts and amassing a total of 61 points during that half.
Looking ahead, the Wizards are set to host the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, while the Magic will face the Cleveland Cavaliers at home on Tuesday night.
