The Dallas Mavericks leaned on their bench and timely shooting Thursday night, defeating the Orlando Magic 101-92 behind Jaden Hardy’s breakout performance.
Hardy came off the bench to score 22 points, hitting 5-of-6 from three-point range. His hot stretch included three threes in just 90 seconds during the third quarter, giving Dallas the offensive spark it needed. Brandon Williams and Max Christie also contributed off the bench with 14 and 12 points, while Klay Thompson added 12. In total, the Dallas bench poured in 57 points to Orlando’s 19.
Anthony Davis, playing in just his third game since being traded from the Lakers, added 15 points and seven rebounds. He even exceeded his minutes restriction slightly, helping the Mavericks secure only their fourth win in 14 games. The victory moved Dallas a half-game ahead of Phoenix for the 10th seed in the West.
Paolo Banchero once again carried Orlando, scoring 35 points with 10 rebounds for his ninth 30-point game in the last 14 outings. Franz Wagner added 20 points and nine boards, but the Magic’s shooting woes proved costly. Orlando connected on just 5-of-30 attempts from deep (16.7%) compared to Dallas’ efficient 11-of-23 (47.8%).
The pivotal moment came late in the fourth quarter. Clinging to a six-point lead, Hardy banked in a deep three after a wild bounce with 1:53 remaining, sealing the Mavs’ win.
Orlando has now lost seven of its last eight home games, dropping to 35-39 and holding eighth in the East.
Next up, Dallas visits Chicago while Orlando hosts Sacramento on Saturday.
