Orlando Magic ahead Paolo Banchero (5) breaks free for a dunk towards New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) throughout the second half of an NBA basketball sport in New Orleans, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Picture/Matthew Hinton)
NEW ORLEANS — Paolo Banchero had 34 factors, 11 rebounds and 4 steals, and the Orlando Magic beat the New Orleans Pelicans 113-93 within the NBA on Thursday evening.
Franz Wagner added 27 factors, six rebounds and 5 assists, going 11 for 17 from the sector and 4 of 4 from the free throw line.
READ: NBA: Paolo Banchero leads Magic to comeback win over Hawks
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 20 factors, eight rebounds and 5 assists. New Orleans additionally obtained 17 factors from Trey Murphy III.
The Magic took the lead with 9:24 left within the first quarter and didn’t relinquish it. It was 68-38 by halftime, with Banchero racking up 24 factors and Wagner 20. It was the primary time since detailed play-by-play started being saved in 1996-97 that two Orlando gamers scored at the very least 20 factors within the first half.
Magic vs Pelicans Takeaways
Magic: Orlando delivered a clear offensive efficiency in a sport it wanted to strengthen its playoff positioning. The Magic shot 51.8% from the sector and dedicated simply eight turnovers. Orlando’s beginning forwards, Banchero and Wagner, shot a mixed 25 of 39 from the sector.
Pelicans: New Orleans scored simply 15 factors within the second quarter on 5-for-18 capturing to fall behind by 30 on the break.
Banchero’s behind-the-back dribble right into a Euro step in visitors for a layup gave the Magic a 47-30 lead within the second quarter.
At one level, Banchero and Wagner had made a mixed 15-for-16 pictures from the sector.
Subsequent NBA schedule
The Magic go to Minnesota on Friday. The Pelicans will go to the Spurs on Saturday.
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