The Orlando Magic flipped the script on the Toronto Raptors Friday night, delivering a statement win on national television that showed just how resilient this young squad can be. After coughing up a 21-point lead in a one-point loss to Toronto back in December, the Magic returned the favor - and then some - rallying from 14 down to secure a 130-120 win at Kia Center.
This one had the feel of a playoff preview: 12 lead changes, big-time performances, and a fourth-quarter surge that left no doubt. Orlando exploded for 44 points in the final frame, outscoring Toronto 44-21 over the last 12 minutes.
The turning point? A 21-5 run to open the fourth, fueled by relentless energy and shot-making from a starting unit that simply refused to back down.
The Magic’s starting five came to play - and then some. Every starter scored at least 14 points, but it was the quartet of Desmond Bane (32), Anthony Black (25), Wendell Carter Jr. (23), and Paolo Banchero (20) that stole the spotlight, combining for a jaw-dropping 100 points.
Bane was lights out from deep, knocking down seven threes, including a clutch triple with six minutes left that gave Orlando a three-point edge. That was his fifth of the night, and by then, the momentum had fully swung in the Magic’s favor. Bane also picked up his second Flagrant 1 foul of the season early in the second quarter, but it didn’t throw him off his rhythm.
Carter Jr. was a force in every facet - hitting a pair of threes, pulling down seven boards, dishing out three assists, and adding a steal. His versatility was on full display, and his presence in the paint helped Orlando weather Toronto’s interior scoring advantage.
Banchero, coming off back-to-back 30-point outings, started slow (1-for-5), but found his groove by doing what he does best - attacking the rim. He earned 11 trips to the line, converting nine, and nearly posted a triple-double with nine rebounds and six assists. It wasn’t his flashiest game, but it was a mature, composed performance that helped steady the team.
And then there was Jalen Suggs - the engine on both ends. He didn’t just score; he orchestrated.
Ten assists, three steals, and 33 minutes of high-octane two-way basketball. Suggs has grown into a tone-setter, and Friday night was another example of his growing impact.
In total, Orlando’s starters accounted for 114 of the team’s 130 points - a testament to their chemistry, balance, and ability to step up in big moments.
Toronto, for its part, got a monster night from Brandon Ingram, who poured in 35 and helped the Raptors dominate the paint 56-42. They also did what they do best - get out and run.
The Raptors came into the night leading the league in fastbreak points (19.2 per game), and they were in full sprint mode early, racking up 18 fastbreak points in the first half alone. They finished with a 25-15 edge in transition scoring, taking advantage of Orlando’s occasional lapses in getting back on defense.
But while Toronto ran, Orlando marched to the free throw line - and cashed in. The Magic, who lead the league in free throw attempts per game, were nearly automatic at the stripe, going 33-for-37 (89.2%).
Black was a perfect 14-for-14, while Carter and Bane each added three more. That kind of efficiency made a difference in a game where the Raptors missed seven of their 32 attempts.
The win snapped a four-game skid against Toronto dating back to last season and pushed the Magic to 25-22 on the year. More importantly, it was a reminder of what this team is capable of when it locks in - especially in crunch time.
Rookie Noah Penda got a brief look late in the first quarter, grabbing three rebounds and swatting a shot in just six minutes of action. He missed both of his field goal attempts, but the activity was there. First-round pick Jase Richardson did not play.
Next up, the Magic hit the road for a quick two-game swing - first to San Antonio, then to Oklahoma City. If Friday night was any indication, they’re hitting their stride at just the right time.