Magic hand short-handed Wizards their sixth straight loss
Feb 23, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) moves the ball against Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images Anthony Black matched his career high with 23 points and Franz Wagner also scored 23 as the Orlando Magic dominated the second half in a 110-90 win over the visiting Washington Wizards on Sunday.
Paolo Banchero added 19 points for Orlando, which led by as many as 26 and won its eighth straight meeting against the Wizards. Wendell Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze each contributed 11 points and nine rebounds.
Orlando led by two at the half before opening the third quarter on a 22-6 run. The Magic maintained control and cruised to their fourth win in their last six games.
Jordan Poole led Washington with 16 points. Bub Carrington scored 13 points, Tristan Vukcevic added 12, Bilal Coulibaly had 11, and Richaun Holmes finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Orlando forced 20 turnovers and held Washington to 41 percent from the field, including 26.3 percent (10 of 38) from 3-point range.
The short-handed Wizards lost their sixth straight and fell to a league-worst 9-47.
Washington played without Khris Middleton (ankle injury management), Alexandre Sarr (sprained left ankle), Marcus Smart (right index finger) and Malcolm Brogdon (sprained left ankle).
Washington led 29-27 after a physical first quarter that featured a combined total of 22 foul shots.
Wagner and Banchero combined for 25 points in the first half to help Orlando take a 49-47 lead at intermission. Both teams shot under 41 percent from the field for the half.
After a first half that featured 13 lead changes and eight ties, Orlando quickly took control at the start of the third quarter.
Banchero's 3-pointer capped a 22-6 run to open the third period and put the Magic ahead 71-53 with 7:02 left in the quarter.
Orlando held an 81-64 advantage at the end of the third quarter and pushed its lead to 90-69 after Banchero converted a three-point play with 8:15 left in regulation.
The Magic rested their starters with a 94-72 lead and six minutes left in the contest.
--Field Level Media
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