The Orlando Magic didn’t just notch another win Thursday night in D.C.—they made a statement. Behind Paolo Banchero’s career-high 18 rebounds, to go along with 33 points and eight assists, the Magic took down the Washington Wizards 109-97, stacking up their sixth win in the last eight games. For a team clawing to secure their spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, every W counts.
But don’t be fooled by the double-digit final score- this game was anything but smooth sailing. After racing out to a 19-point lead by halftime, the Magic got a little too comfortable, letting the Wizards charge back within three late in the third quarter. Rookie Bub Carrington was out there playing like a seasoned vet, dropping 32 points and a rookie-record seven triples. For a moment, Orlando looked like they might fall into one of those classic trap-game meltdowns.
While Carrington was stealing the spotlight in the third, Wagner reminded everyone why he’s one of Orlando’s most reliable closers. He came out firing to start the fourth, scoring Orlando’s first seven points, including a three, a steal, and a dunk to push the lead back into double digits. Wagner finished with 27 points on the night, and his fourth-quarter heroics were the dagger Washington never recovered from.
Still, the night belonged to Banchero. This was his “I own the paint” game, snatching rebounds like a man possessed and bulldozing his way to the rim. The Wizards couldn’t keep him off the glass if they tried. “It’s just about imposing my will,” Banchero said postgame. “When I grab boards and push the tempo, it sets the tone for the team.”
The Magic’s defense quietly deserves its flowers, too. They kept Washington to just 44% shooting and limited Carrington’s supporting cast to scraps. Marcus Smart and Alex Sarr struggled to contribute, combining for just 22 points on 8-of-23 shooting. The Magic capitalized with fewer fouls and a dominant advantage at the free-throw line (22-11).
With a four-day break before hosting Atlanta, Orlando sits one game ahead in the tight play-in race and gets some much-needed time to catch their breath. If Banchero keeps this beast mode energy alive and Wagner stays clutch, the Magic could be a dangerous team no one wants to face in the postseason. Magic fans, it’s time to believe.
