Magic Star Paolo Banchero, Coach Jamahl Mosley Explain Final Play in Loss vs. Kings

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic saw its win streak snap at the hands of the Sacramento Kings in a 109-107 loss on Saturday night inside the Kia Center.

It was the first loss since Mar. 10, but the Magic had a chance to win in the final moments. With two seconds to go, Orlando trailed by two points and the ball went to Paolo Banchero, but he shot a difficult heave from way beyond the 3-point arc, leading to a loss.

Banchero with the game on the line😭😭 pic.twitter.com/9ourjl4V2e
— BarnesMuse (@MuseBarnes) March 24, 2024

Paolo Banchero — Sacramento Kings v Orlando Magic | Rich Storry/GettyImages

“The play was drawn up. top curl up and get the shot and I just caught it," Banchero said postgame. "Didn’t have enough time.”

Coach Jamahl Mosley tried to draw up a play to get Banchero or someone closer to the basket, only needing a two-point bucket. However, it was defended well by the Kings.

“Well, they did a great job of pushing Paolo (Banchero) off the spot, trying to get him a curl to
that basket," Mosley said postgame. "Screening our own end and they did a great job of pushing him off the spot and making the catch a little further out than needed.”

The Magic and Kings have been through several battles over the past three years. Since Mosley became the head coach of the Magic, the Kings are 6-0 against Orlando. However, three of those games went to overtime, including double overtime back in January. Then, Saturday night's game came down to the wire.

The loss stings for the Magic, but it comes with a chance to improve things moving forward.

The Magic returns to the floor on Wednesday against the Golden State Warriors. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.