The Orlando Magic secured a hard-fought 104-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night, led by Cole Anthony’s 27-point performance. Orlando improved to 23-18, holding firm at fifth in the Eastern Conference standings.

Paolo Banchero contributed 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, delivering key plays in crunch time.

Tyrese Maxey paced the 76ers with a game-high 29 points, while Paul George added 25 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. George fouled out with 2:49 remaining, leaving Philadelphia shorthanded in the closing moments.

Jonathan Isaac recorded his first double-double since 2019 with 20 points and 11 rebounds, providing a significant boost off the bench for the Magic. Anthony Black also impressed, tallying 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists.

Philadelphia was without Joel Embiid for the fourth consecutive game due to a sprained left foot. Rookie Jared McCain’s season-ending surgery on a torn meniscus further strained the 76ers’ rotation, leaving the team short on depth.

The game remained tight throughout, with the 76ers holding a 94-91 lead late in the fourth quarter. However, Orlando’s defense stifled Philadelphia, allowing just one field goal—a Maxey three-pointer—over the final 2:32.

Bench production played a pivotal role in the Magic’s success, as their reserves outscored the 76ers’ bench 48-11. Isaac and Black accounted for 37 of those points, showcasing Orlando’s depth despite injuries to key players like Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs.

Despite shooting 45.8% from the field and 95.5% from the free-throw line, Philadelphia’s offensive execution faltered down the stretch.

The Magic, on the other hand, overcame a shaky shooting night from beyond the arc, connecting on just 23.3% of their three-point attempts. They made up for it by dominating the boards with 41 rebounds, including 12 on the offensive glass.

Philadelphia will look to regroup and find answers as Embiid’s absence continues to weigh on their performance. The 15-22 76ers face a daunting climb in the standings amid their injury woes.