In a stunning turnaround, Paolo Banchero led the Orlando Magic (26-23) to a 108-106 victory over the Western Conference leaders, the Minnesota Timberwolves (34-15), overcoming a 17-point second-quarter deficit.
Banchero’s performance of 23 points and six assists, combined with contributions from Wendell Carter Jr. (18 points, 12 rebounds), Franz Wagner (19 points), and Jalen Suggs (15 points), fueled the Magic’s comeback against the Timberwolves.
Rudy Gobert’s 22 points and 16 rebounds, along with Anthony Edwards’ 22 points, weren’t enough for the Wolves as they faced challenges with turnovers and ill-advised shots, managing only 18 points in the crucial fourth quarter.
The game’s turning point came when Mike Conley missed a crucial runner for Minnesota, and Jonathan Isaac’s timely tip-in extended the Magic’s lead to 105-101 with just over a minute remaining.
With this win, the Timberwolves find themselves in a tie for the top spot in the Western Conference with the Oklahoma City Thunder, with strong competition from the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers.
For the Magic, a team striving to end a four-year playoff drought, this victory marks a significant step as they are now tied for eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
