Paolo Banchero Returns: Magic Hands Jazz 2nd Straight Loss
The Orlando Magic played at home and handed the Utah Jazz a second straight road loss by a score of 115-107.
Orlando spoiled a homecoming game for Jazz rookie Taylor Hendricks, a one-and-done recruit from the local University of Central Florida. He would finish with 10 points as the entire Jazz starting five scored double-digit points in a scrappy game.
The Orlando Magic won a second straight game while simultaneously handing the Utah Jazz its second straight loss.
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After the first half, the Magic would lead by two points, 53-51, thanks in large part to the contributions of Mo Wagner. Coming off the bench, the bigger of the Wagner brothers shot 6-7 from the field and had 14 of the team's points, which tied him with Utah's John Collins for the game's leading scorer at the time.
Also worth noting was that Orlando's All-Star and the NBA's reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero made his return to the court tonight, while the Jazz were without sensational shot blocker Walker Kessler on the evening, something that likely factored into how Wagner was able to dominate in the paint at times.
In the second half of the game, Utah was able to take the lead at times, as the Magic seemed to be out of sync early on in the third quarter in a competitive game that would feature multiple lead changes.
Ultimately, it would come down to the fourth quarter before Orlando was able to take the lead for good. It entered the quarter down 82-80 after some costly fouls that benefitted the Jazz down the stretch.
As Magic fans have come to expect, Banchero stepped up coming off of his sickness and was the only Orlando player to score more than 20 points. However, it was Jalen Suggs' two clutch threes in the final two minutes that would be that would lead the team to a victory.
Next up for the Magic is the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, but for now, the team gets two days' rest after a hard-fought game against the Jazz.
