Paolo Banchero’s 26-point contribution led the Orlando Magic to a 113-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns during Sunday’s NBA action. This win came despite a standout 44-point performance from Devin Booker, who had previously scored 62 points in a loss to Indiana.
The Magic’s effective defense was a key factor, especially in the fourth quarter when Phoenix struggled significantly, going over eight minutes without a field goal and scoring only four points in the final 10 minutes. This defensive effort halted the Suns’ momentum following their seven-game winning streak.
Orlando’s defensive strategy was bolstered by a lineup featuring the towering presences of the 6-10 Banchero, 6-10 Franz Wagner, 6-11 Moritz Wagner, and 6-11 Jonathan Isaac. Phoenix coach Frank Vogel acknowledged the unique challenge posed by the Magic’s size, particularly on a night without Jusuf Nurkic in the lineup.
“A lot of teams aren’t built the way they are. They’re a massive team,” Vogel said. “You can attack them if you do it the right way. We didn’t do it well enough or handle their pressure well enough tonight.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns Updates
Booker, who shot 17-26 from the field, was limited to just two points in the fourth quarter. He noted the physicality of the game, suggesting that Orlando’s strategy was to be extra physical and disrupt the Suns’ rhythm.
“They were playing a physical game the whole game,” Booker said. “I think after the start we had they just reverted to being extra physical and hoping they can’t call every foul.”
The Suns’ struggles were evident in their fourth-quarter performance, shooting only 5-18 with seven turnovers. Isaac, proud of the Magic’s defensive display, highlighted the significance of their performance, especially considering Booker’s recent scoring spree.
“I don’t think anybody’s probably done that all year to them,” Isaac said. “For us to get it done like that, especially with the way Booker was rolling, to kind of shut them up in the fourth quarter, it’s amazing.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns Updates
Moritz Wagner provided a vital boost from the bench with 16 points and 12 rebounds in just 23 minutes. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley lauded Wagner’s role in securing extra possessions, which was crucial against a high-scoring team like the Suns.
“What Mo did was give us extra possessions on the offensive glass,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “I don’t think (people) realize how important that is in a game like this, against an elite scoring team, when you get extra possessions.”
Kevin Durant, limited in his shooting opportunities, finished with 15 points but also committed seven turnovers. Reflecting on his performance, Durant recognized his mistakes with the ball and the negative impact they had on the team.
“I wasn’t very smart with the ball,” Durant said. “I lead by example by doing stuff like that, and that kind of messed the whole game up. I just think that sets a bad precedent for the team, and everybody feeds off of that, and it just snowballs off that. Really that’s what lost the game.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns Updates
The Suns, who started strong with 18 of their first 24 shots finding the mark, faltered as the game progressed. Booker’s 21-point third quarter wasn’t enough to sustain their lead, especially when he sat out the initial minutes of the fourth quarter, allowing the Magic to gain the upper hand.
Key moments they included Franz Wagner’s three-pointer to put the Magic ahead and Isaac’s three-pointer to extend their lead. Despite shooting 56% overall, Phoenix attempted only 14 three-pointers, well below their season average.
Looking forward, the Suns are set to face the Miami Heat, while the Magic will take on the Dallas Mavericks, both games scheduled for Monday night.
