The Orlando Magic defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-117 on Thursday night at the Kia Center. The Magic snapped their six-game losing streak and jumped to the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.
“We got the job done, and it was not pretty at the end of the day,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said. “And we know that we saw it, we see what it is. But again, to get the win and find a way through it all, that’s important right now for us.”
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 30, while DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 33. Since the start of March, Banchero has scored the most points in the Eastern Conference and the second-most in the NBA.
“I think I’ve just been playing to the level I’m capable of, since the All Star break,” Banchero said. “Just being aggressive and imposing my will on the game each and every night, whatever that looks like.”
The Magic started the game well, opening a nine-point lead to end the first quarter. However, Orlando lost both the second and third quarter by three points, keeping the contest close.
Coming off scoring a buzzer-beating three to end the first quarter, Jamal Cain dunked on a fast break that got the Orlando crowd loud. On March 20, Cain’s two-way deal was converted into a standard NBA contract, the first of his young career.
“[Cain’s] making big time energy plays out there,” Banchero said. “He has solid field for the game out there. He’s just been staying ready this whole season. You have got to give him all the credit just for being able to stay ready this whole season. He’s just now kind of getting to get out there and play some consistent minutes. He’s helped us a lot out there for sure.”
Despite having the worst record in the Western Conference, the Kings would not go away, tying the game eight times through three and a half quarters. DeRozan tied the contest at 95 halfway through the fourth quarter, attempting to claim the team’s first lead since 11:08 in the first quarter.
The Magic went on a 12-0 run, including back-to-back baskets and assists by Banchero. His first assist was a no-look pass to Cain, prompting a Kings timeout.
Sacramento stormed its way back after Orlando’s run, cutting the deficit to one on a Daeqwon Plowden three. The three gave Plowden a new career-high in points with 23.
“[Plowden] played huge tonight,” Kings teammate Precious Achiuwa said. “Just stays locked in, plays hard. His work is paying off. I am really happy for him.”
In his return from a two-game absence due to illness, Jalen Suggs responded with a three that would seal the game for the Magic.
“Huge shot; welcome back J,” Magic guard Desmond Bane said. “Good to have you back in the lineup, for sure. But it started with Paulo, made the drive, the gravity that he has, making a selfless play to kick the ball out. Got the defensive rotation and we all made the right play.”
Orlando finished their City Edition campaign 6-0, picking up three wins while wearing them in March.
Next up
The Magic travel to Toronto to face the Raptors on Sunday. Orlando’s last two trips to Scotiabank Arena both featured 21-point blown leads and losses.
“Toronto’s a team that’s not gonna stop playing,” Mosley said. “They’re gonna keep coming after you, keep coming after you. So our ability to recognize that, to play the same way, and it goes back to the intent and the details of how we want to play. Our communication’s got to be on a high level, and we’ve got to be tied together, especially in that arena, ’cause it’s loud in that they got a great fan base, and again, our guys have got to make sure we’re ready for that.”
Tip-off against the Raptors is set for 6 p.m. on March 29.