Sixers Spoil Paolo Banchero's Return, Beat Magic in Orlando
The Orlando Magic (5-14) is still hungry for a win after its third straight loss by a score of 107-99 to the Philadelphia 76ers (10-9) Friday night at the Amway Center.
Orlando came out with a lot of energy with No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero making his return after a seven-game absence harbored by a sprained ankle, but Philadelphia succeeded in its plans to divert attention away from his comeback. Banchero scored 19 points in his return to the lineup, a solid showing from the rookie, but not on the level he has proven to be capable of in the past.
The Magic led at halftime thanks to a strong performance out of the gates from Bol Bol (who scored 15 of his 17 points in the first two quarters), but the lead was short-lived.
If you had to point towards a reason why Orlando fumbled the game, the finger would be in the direction of the third quarter. Philadelphia outscored Orlando by 10 and took the lead that it would never relinquish.
While the Magic shrunk that deficit to as few as five points, the Sixers' second-half defense stunted any come-from-behind heroics.
Franz Wagner had the most success out of any Magic player on offense, scoring a game-high 24 points. Shake Milton matched that total for the 76ers, starting for the injured James Harden.
While the Magic played without Wendell Carter Jr. (plantar fascia) and Chuma Okeke (knee), it's no excuse considering the 76ers played without James Harden, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, who are all dealing with foot injuries.
The Magic will seek revenge against the Sixers in a rematch Sunday in Orlando. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
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