Paolo Banchero powered the Orlando Magic to a 114-108 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, scoring 36 points along with 10 rebounds and five assists.
Orlando (28-29) overcame an early 19-point deficit, outscoring Atlanta (26-30) 38-18 in the second quarter to take a one-point halftime lead.
Banchero dominated that stretch with 18 points, helping the Magic recover from a sluggish 33% first quarter to shoot 71% in the second.
Franz Wagner contributed 25 points, while Cole Anthony added 17, including a crucial three-pointer late in the fourth quarter.
Despite making just six of their 25 attempts from beyond the arc (24%), the Magic capitalized on their defensive efforts to slow down Atlanta in the second half.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 38 points, but his team struggled to maintain their early lead after a strong opening quarter.
Rookie Zaccharie Risacher recorded his first career double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds, while Dyson Daniels finished with 10 points and three steals.
The Hawks’ defense faltered after the first quarter, allowing Orlando to gain momentum and control the tempo.
Orlando sealed the win in the final minutes as Anthony and Banchero connected on back-to-back three-pointers, putting the Magic ahead 109-103.
Wendell Carter Jr. grabbed 15 rebounds for the Magic, helping his team win the rebounding battle 53-51.
Despite a poor night from deep, Banchero remained aggressive, making 11 of 16 free throws to keep the Magic in front.
Atlanta shot just 39% from the field, struggling to convert in key moments down the stretch.
Young’s 13-for-28 shooting effort kept the Hawks in the game, but Orlando’s defensive adjustments limited his impact late.
Daniels’ three steals brought his season total to 152, surpassing last year’s leaders De’Aaron Fox and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (150).
Orlando solidified its hold on seventh place in the Eastern Conference, sitting two spots ahead of Atlanta in the standings.
