The Orlando Magic found their rhythm in a big way at the Golden 1 Center, thanks to a stellar 30-point performance from Paolo Banchero and a record-breaking night from beyond the arc. After a slow start, the Magic roared back to life, outscoring the Sacramento Kings 113-66 in the last three quarters to secure a commanding 131-94 victory.
Orlando set a new franchise record with 27 three-pointers, showcasing their long-range prowess. They also dominated the fastbreak with a 29-6 advantage and capitalized on turnovers, scoring 24 points off 19 takeaways. This impressive win marked the beginning of a four-game West Coast road trip.
Despite holding the league's worst record, the Kings initially outperformed Orlando in the paint, leading to a 12-point advantage early on. However, Sacramento couldn't maintain their momentum and suffered their 15th consecutive loss, a new franchise record.
Both teams were missing key players due to injuries. Orlando played without Franz Wagner, while Sacramento was without top scorers Zach LaVine and Domantas Sabonis.
The Magic's struggles were evident in the first quarter, shooting just 21% from the field and managing only 18 points. Meanwhile, the Kings capitalized, shooting 50% and securing a 10-point lead. However, Orlando forced six turnovers, though they only translated into two points.
In the second quarter, the Magic flipped the script, scoring 24 points in the first six minutes alone. A 16-0 run helped Orlando outscore Sacramento 46-27 in the quarter, turning the tide and giving them a nine-point lead at halftime. Banchero was instrumental, scoring 13 of his 18 first-half points in this period.
A key rotation change saw Jevon Carter, a recent acquisition, make a significant impact off the bench. Carter contributed 14 points, three rebounds, and four assists, hitting three triples in 23 minutes. His energy was palpable, leading the team with a plus-minus of plus-34.
Rookies Jase Richardson and Noah Penda also saw action, closing out the game as Orlando held a comfortable 27-point lead. While they didn't score, their presence highlighted the depth of the Magic's roster.
The Magic's next challenge is a trip to Phoenix, where they’ll look to build on this momentum.