The Orlando Magic’s recent struggles at home continued Thursday night as they fell to the Dallas Mavericks 101-92 at the Kia Center. Despite a determined effort from Paolo Banchero, the Magic couldn’t find the answers to Dallas’ hot shooting and dominant bench performance, dropping to 35-39 and further jeopardizing their position in the tightly contested Eastern Conference playoff race.
Banchero put on a show for Magic fans, delivering a game-high 35 points alongside 10 rebounds and 4 assists. The second-year forward was efficient from the field, hitting 61.9% of his shots, but his attempts to spark a comeback fell short as his teammates struggled to match his level of production. Franz Wagner added 20 points and 9 rebounds, but the team’s shooting woes from long range proved to be their undoing. The Magic connected on just 5-of-30 three-point attempts, an ice-cold 16.7% that left them unable to capitalize on opportunities.
The Magic got off to a decent start defensively, trailing by just two points after the first quarter, and carried momentum into the second. Wendell Carter Jr.’s energy in the paint helped Orlando close out the half with a 50-43 lead. But as has been the case too often lately, the third quarter unraveled quickly. The Mavericks exploded for 34 points in the frame, with Jaden Hardy torching the Magic from beyond the arc. Hardy, who came off the bench, poured in 22 points on 5-of-6 three-point shooting and completely shifted the game’s momentum in a 90-second flurry.
The Dallas bench was the deciding factor all evening, contributing a massive 57 points compared to just 19 from Orlando’s reserves. Brandon Williams chipped in 14 points and 6 assists, while Max Christie and Klay Thompson each added 12. Despite limited minutes, Anthony Davis managed 15 points and 7 rebounds to anchor the Mavericks’ interior.
While the Magic chipped away at the deficit late, coming within six points with under two minutes to play, Hardy’s improbable three-pointer sealed Orlando’s fate. This marked the team’s seventh loss in their last eight home games, leaving them clinging to the eighth seed with the clock ticking on the regular season.
Orlando will attempt to regroup on Saturday against the Sacramento Kings, but the recent lackluster performances at home raise pressing questions about their postseason prospects. Unless the Magic find consistency and support for Banchero’s brilliance, their playoff hopes may slip away.
