Paolo Banchero’s 23 points and six assists played a pivotal role in the Orlando Magic’s comeback victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, overcoming a 17-point gap in the second quarter to win 108-106 during Friday’s NBA action.
Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds. Franz Wagner added 19 points, and Jalen Suggs scored 15 points on his return to his hometown, fueling the Magic’s recovery from a significant deficit experienced in a previous matchup against the Wolves.
Jalen Suggs reflected on the team’s growth, highlighting their improved resilience and ability to close games.
“The past few years we were down a lot and learning how to play from behind and continuing to come back,” Suggs said. “Now we’re figuring out how to close ’em out. Some nights are better than others, but we’re continually learning and you just see the progress that we’re making. We’re having fun doing it.”
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Despite Rudy Gobert’s 22 points and 16 rebounds and Anthony Edwards’ 22 points, the Timberwolves struggled in the fourth quarter, scoring only 18 points due to turnovers and poor shot selection.
The Wolves coach, Chris Finch, criticized the team’s lack of aggression and failure to counter the Magic’s physical defense.
“We struggled to get into our stuff. They did a good job with their physicality, their ball pressure, and we didn’t really do a good job of battling back on that front,” Wolves coach Chris Finch said.
A missed shot by Mike Conley in the final moments and a key rebound and tip-in by Jonathan Isaac for the Magic underscored the tense closing stages, culminating in a missed three-pointer by Conley that could have given the Wolves the lead.
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The loss impacted the Timberwolves’ standing in the Western Conference, tying them for first place with the Oklahoma City Thunder. At the same time, the Magic demonstrated resilience and competitiveness critical for their playoff aspirations.
Gobert emphasized the need for individual and team reflection to overcome the issues limiting their success.
“Hopefully, we all look ourselves in the mirror individually and get rid of all that stuff that holds us back as a team. Same thing. Ball gets sticky. We stop doing winning plays,” Gobert said. “Until we care, we’re going to keep losing those types of games.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic, Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
The Magic’s spirited comeback, highlighted by a strong defensive effort against key Timberwolves players and pivotal performances from Suggs and Banchero, showcased their determination and potential, according to coach Jamahl Mosley.
“They’re celebrating in there because there’s a joy to how they know they need to play to become successful,” Mosley said. “I think that’s what makes the coaching staff so proud.”
Suggs’ achievement in his hometown added a memorable element to the victory, setting the stage for their next game against the Detroit Pistons. At the same time, the Timberwolves looked to regroup against the Houston Rockets.
