Magic continue dominance over Wizards with decisive win

Paolo Banchero scored 28 points and added 11 rebounds and the visiting Orlando Magic thrashed the Washington Wizards 125-94 on Saturday.

Orlando shot 51.1% from the field and maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half. The Magic have won two straight following a four-game losing streak.

Washington was unable to recover after being outscored 43-21 in the second quarter. The Wizards have lost four straight and five of their first six games.

Franz Wagner added 25 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. recorded 16 points and 12 rebounds for Orlando, which outscored the Wizards 62-52 on points in the paint. Goga Bitadze chipped in 15 points and six rebounds in 20 minutes of action.

The Magic won their 11th straight meeting against Washington, dating back to March 21, 2023. Orlando shot 33.3% from 3-point range and 86.4% (19-for-22) from the free throw line.

Kyshawn George led the Wizards with 17 points. CJ McCollum scored 13 points, and Alex Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly added 10 apiece.

George scored 10 of Washington's first 18 points to help the Wizards take a 35-32 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Magic built a double-digit lead in the second quarter while scoring 43 points, including a 17-8 run to close the half. That gave them a 75-56 lead at intermission and marked the Magic's most first-half points this season.

Banchero scored 23 points in the first half and Wagner had 20 for Orlando, which shot 60.9% from the field for the half.

Orlando's 43 points during the second quarter tied the franchise record for most points ever scored in a second period.

The Magic maintained their momentum and led 87-61 after opening the third quarter on a 12-5 run.

Orlando outscored Washington 28-19 in the third quarter and took a 103-75 lead into the final period.

Both teams rested their starters in the final minutes, and Orlando made three straight 3-pointers during an 11-2 run to close out the game.