In a remarkable comeback, the short-handed Orlando Magic (20-15) orchestrated a stunning 122-120 victory over the Denver Nuggets (25-12), with Paolo Banchero delivering a memorable triple-double performance.
Banchero’s 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists played a pivotal role in the Magic’s rally from an 18-point deficit in the third quarter.
Jalen Suggs contributed significantly with a career-high 27 points, complementing Banchero’s stellar performance.
Denver had three players score in double digits – Nikola Jokic (29), Michael Porter Jr. (22) and Jamal Murray (20) – but it wasn’t enough.
The final moments saw Moritz Wagner’s crucial steal from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, leading to Banchero’s game-deciding free throws. The Nuggets, looking to respond, couldn’t execute their final play as Jamal Murray’s last-second floater rimmed out at the buzzer.
Despite missing key players, including Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, and Wendell Carter Jr., the Magic displayed resilience and determination.
