The Orlando Magic held off a late push from the Phoenix Suns to secure a 115-111 victory Tuesday night at Kia Center in Orlando, ending a brief slide and strengthening their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Desmond Bane scored 21 points and Jalen Suggs added 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as Orlando improved to 40-35 on the season. The Magic snapped a difficult stretch with their second win in nine games and moved closer to solidifying their postseason standing.
Tristan da Silva sealed the outcome at the free-throw line, knocking down two shots with 3.1 seconds remaining after Phoenix pulled within two points. His late free throws capped a tense finish following Devin Booker’s deep 3-pointer that briefly gave the Suns hope.
Booker led all scorers with 34 points for Phoenix, converting 16 of 19 free throws while adding seven assists. The Suns dropped to 42-34 and remain in seventh place in the Western Conference standings.
Orlando built momentum early despite a game defined by fouls and turnovers. The Magic led 70-56 at halftime in a first half that featured 41 personal fouls, five technical fouls and 47 combined free-throw attempts.
Paolo Banchero produced an all-around performance with 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, helping stabilize Orlando’s offense during several Phoenix runs. Wendell Carter Jr. added 15 points and 12 rebounds, providing interior scoring and second-chance opportunities.
The Magic struggled to protect the ball, committing 25 turnovers after giving it away 28 times in a 139-87 loss to Toronto two days earlier. Despite the miscues, Orlando shot 44 percent from the field and converted 35 of 41 free throws.
Phoenix gradually erased the halftime deficit behind Booker’s third-quarter scoring surge. The Suns guard scored 14 points in the period, including nine free throws, helping close the gap.
Royce O’Neale fueled the rally late in the quarter by hitting three 3-pointers in a two-minute stretch. His final shot tied the game at 94 entering the fourth quarter.
The Suns briefly grabbed the lead in the final minutes when Dillon Brooks knocked down a long jumper to put Phoenix ahead 107-105. Banchero responded with a key basket before Bane added another score to restore Orlando’s advantage.
Brooks finished with nine points and five rebounds in his first game since suffering a broken hand against the Magic on Feb. 21. The veteran forward battled foul trouble throughout the night and was assessed a technical foul just 89 seconds into the game.
Ten players finished the contest with at least four personal fouls as the physical matchup repeatedly sent both teams to the line.
Jalen Green scored eight points for Phoenix, while O’Neale added 14 points and nine rebounds off the bench. The Suns shot 40 percent overall and 30 percent from beyond the arc.
Orlando received additional bench scoring from Jamal Cain and Jett Howard, who each contributed 12 points to support the starting unit.
The Suns continue their road trip Thursday when they visit Charlotte. The Magic return to action Wednesday night at home against Atlanta.
