The Orlando Magic earned a 128-118 home victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, January 11, at Kia Center, improving to 22-18 on the season while extending New Orleans’ recent struggles.
Orlando controlled the game behind a balanced offensive effort and efficient shooting, finishing at 52 percent from the field and 89 percent from the free-throw line in its final game before a two-game international series.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 23 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, consistently initiating offense and drawing fouls in the half court to keep the Pelicans’ defense under pressure.
Desmond Bane added a team-high 27 points on 9-of-18 shooting, while Anthony Black delivered one of his most complete performances of the season with 26 points, seven assists, and three steals.
Goga Bitadze recorded a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds in his first start of the season at center, filling in for Wendell Carter Jr., who missed the game with a back strain.
The night also marked the return of Moritz Wagner, who played his first NBA game in more than a year after tearing his left ACL in December 2024, scoring eight points with two rebounds in 10 minutes off the bench.
Orlando built separation with steady ball movement and interior scoring, assisting on 27 baskets and outscoring New Orleans at the free-throw line by a wide margin.
The Pelicans, who dropped to 9-32, were led by Zion Williamson’s 22 points, with Trey Murphy III and Jordan Poole adding 21 apiece as New Orleans lost for the 10th time in its last 11 games.
Despite shooting 57 percent overall and 54 percent from three-point range, the visitors struggled to keep pace due to turnovers and limited trips to the foul line.
New Orleans committed 14 turnovers, several of which turned into transition points that allowed the Magic to maintain control in the second half.
Up next, the Pelicans return home to host Denver on Tuesday night, while the Magic head overseas to face Memphis on Thursday in Berlin and Sunday in London.
