Suggs, Banchero Power Magic To Victory Against Struggling Jazz, 115-107

Prior to Suggs’ scoring spree, the Magic had been struggling from beyond the arc, making only 7 of 27 attempts and failing to land a three since Gary Harris‘ shot in the third quarter.

“I think we’re learning how to win and adapt to the way the game is flowing, and tonight is another example of that,” Suggs said. “We weren’t knocking down shots, but we were playing great defense and we were getting to the rim. He (Banchero) was crazy to start the fourth and keep us in the game, and that gave us a chance to win down the stretch.”

For the Jazz, John Collins, Keyonte George, and Collin Sexton each tallied 19 points, with Lauri Markkanen adding 18, as the team faced its second consecutive loss and seventh in the last eight games.

Suggs’ late three 3-pointers shifted the game’s momentum, expanding a slim 101-100 lead to 110-103 within just 90 seconds. Despite this, the Jazz remained competitive, shooting 16-for-37 from the 3-point line. However, missing Walker Kessler, the NBA’s third-ranked shot blocker, due to a right foot sprain impacted their defensive capabilities significantly.

“We put ourselves in a position to win the game. That’s where we want to be with two minutes left – one-point down,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said. “I felt like down the stretch, there were a couple of plays that just didn’t go our way. … Jalen Suggs made some 3s late. That can happen in an NBA game.”

The Jazz managed to close the gap to a single point by halftime, thanks to an 11-0 run highlighted by 3-pointers from Jordan Clarkson and Markkanen.

Banchero, who had been cleared to play just before the game started, made a significant impact in the final quarter, scoring 12 of Orlando’s first 21 points of the period before Suggs took control.

“I couldn’t move. I couldn’t jump. I was very limited,” Banchero said about his condition during the missed games. “I still have sniffles and stuff, but my body’s feeling a lot better. I felt pretty good. I was a little rusty in my decision-making, and I was a little tired at some points, but I got it going in the fourth. My teammates encouraged me to stay aggressive.”

Looking forward, the Jazz will visit the Miami Heat on Saturday, while the Magic will host the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.