The Orlando Magic bounced back in a big way Sunday night, defeating the Washington Wizards 110-90 at Amway Center. Franz Wagner and rookie Anthony Black each scored 23 points to pace Orlando, while Paolo Banchero added 19 in a balanced effort.
Black shined in the second half, pouring in 18 of his career-high 23 points after halftime. His energy and shot-making helped Orlando pull away against a short-handed Washington team that has now dropped six straight games.
Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 16 points, while Richaun Holmes chipped in 11 points and 10 rebounds. Already battling through a rough season, Washington was again without Alex Sarr and Khris Middleton, both sidelined with ankle injuries. Despite leading for much of the first half, the Wizards had no answers defensively once the Magic caught fire after the break.
The turning point came at the start of the third quarter. Wendell Carter Jr. and Wagner fueled a 22-6 run in the first five minutes, each scoring seven points in the stretch. What had been a slim two-point Orlando lead ballooned to 18, and the Magic never looked back.
Orlando also flipped the script from deep. Known as the NBA’s weakest three-point shooting team, the Magic hit 9-of-22 from beyond the arc in the second half and piled up 61 points after halftime.
The victory was crucial for Orlando after Friday’s one-point loss to Memphis, with tougher matchups against Cleveland and Golden State looming on the homestand.
Next up, Orlando hosts Cleveland on Tuesday, while Washington returns home to face Brooklyn Monday.
