The Orlando Magic’s strong and aggressive performance, led by Paolo Banchero, caused frustration for the New Orleans Pelicans, resulting in the ejections of three Pelicans players in the closing moments of the game.
Banchero, scoring 32 points, achieved his 10th 30+ point game of the season, helping Orlando secure a 117-108 victory over New Orleans. This win propelled the Magic slightly ahead of the New York Knicks for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
Zion Williamson, despite scoring 15 points, was hindered by a finger injury sustained during the game, likely from a block attempt. He briefly left the court for examination but returned to play. However, he was eventually sidelined after receiving a technical foul.
Franz Wagner contributed 24 points, while Moritz Wagner added 18 points for the Magic, who demonstrated resilience and composure throughout the game, marking their third consecutive win.
Orlando’s coach, Jamahl Mosley, praised his team’s ability to remain composed in a physically demanding game, seeing it as a significant step forward for the young team.
CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 36 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their third consecutive loss, dropping them to sixth place in the Western Conference standings.
Despite the setback, Pelicans coach Willie Green emphasized the importance of regrouping and maintaining composure for future games. Orlando’s strong shooting performance, at 51.3%, coupled with a solid defensive effort, allowed them to build a substantial lead, eventually securing the win.
Although New Orleans made a late push, narrowing the gap to 112-106, Banchero’s decisive dunk effectively sealed the victory for Orlando. The game ended with the ejections of Jones, Murphy, and Daniels from the Pelicans, likely due to frustration with officiating calls.
Banchero’s impactful performance, particularly in the first half, played a crucial role in Orlando’s victory, setting the tone for the team’s strong showing throughout the game.
