The Orlando Magic overpowered the Washington Wizards 110-90 on Sunday night, breaking open a close game with a dominant third quarter.
Franz Wagner and Anthony Black each scored 23 points, with Black posting a career-high, including 18 in the second half. Paolo Banchero added 19 points as Orlando improved to 29-30, holding onto the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference.
Washington, now 9-47, led for much of the first half but collapsed after halftime. Jordan Poole paced the Wizards with 16 points, while Richaun Holmes contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds. The team was without key players, including Alex Sarr and Khris Middleton, due to ankle injuries.
Orlando’s offense ignited early in the third quarter with a 22-6 run, turning a slim two-point advantage into an 18-point cushion. Wendell Carter Jr. and Wagner fueled the surge with seven points each.
The Magic, last in the NBA in three-point shooting, hit 9-of-22 from beyond the arc in the second half. They finished the night shooting 34.4% from deep and outscored Washington 61-43 after the break.
Black provided a crucial spark off the bench, shooting 7-of-12 from the field and a near-perfect 4-of-5 from three-point range. His efficiency and aggressiveness helped Orlando pull away.
Banchero made an impact at the free-throw line, going 8-of-9. He also grabbed five rebounds and dished out five assists in a well-rounded performance.
Carter controlled the paint with 11 points and nine rebounds, while Goga Bitadze added 11 points and nine boards off the bench. Orlando outrebounded Washington 47-36 and dominated inside scoring.
The Wizards struggled with efficiency, shooting just 41.0% from the field and 26.3% from three-point range. They committed 20 turnovers, leading to 22 Magic points.
Washington’s offense faltered after a solid first quarter in which they led 29-27. Poole and Bilal Coulibaly combined for 27 points, but the lack of depth and defensive lapses proved costly.
Corey Kispert struggled with his shot, going 3-of-12 from the field. Rookie Carlton Carrington provided a bright spot with 13 points off the bench but couldn’t shift the momentum.
Washington remains last in the Eastern Conference and has now lost six straight. Injuries and defensive struggles have plagued the team as they search for answers.
