The Orlando Magic fell 109-97 to the Philadelphia 76ers in a play-in matchup in Philadelphia, and Paolo Banchero pointed to late-game execution as the key difference in a game defined by momentum swings.
“Oh yeah, I think we just made some crucial mistakes that they capitalized on,” Banchero said after the loss.
Orlando stayed competitive for long stretches, but every push toward a comeback was met with Philadelphia scoring responses.
“I think we had some opportunities to make some big plays and take the lead and we just came up short,” Banchero said.
The Magic repeatedly cut the deficit to within striking distance, but the Sixers consistently answered with timely shots.
“They made plays at crucial moments,” Banchero said. “There were a couple plays in the game where we could have switched the momentum around and we just came up short.”
Philadelphia’s ability to stabilize under pressure proved decisive, especially in a game played within a narrow scoring window.
“We were playing a team on the road and they’re able to capitalize like that,” Banchero said. “Crowd gets going and they get energized. Just a tough game.”
Banchero also acknowledged the offensive flow, noting that Orlando generated quality looks despite the final shooting numbers.
“I thought we had good looks throughout the game,” he said. “Obviously we didn’t shoot well. I didn’t shoot well.”
Desmond Bane carried much of the scoring load for Orlando with 34 points, but Banchero pointed to the need for more consistent support.
“I thought Dez had it going,” Banchero said. “It’s on me, it’s on other guys to be able to perform at a level to where we can get that win.”
Shot creation was not the primary concern for Orlando, but conversion in key moments was.
“I didn’t think it was terrible,” Banchero said of the offense. “But yeah, I didn’t think it was terrible. I thought we had good looks.”
Frustration also came from missed opportunities during key stretches where Orlando’s decision-making slowed.
“I had some looks in the start of the second half that I didn’t shoot,” Banchero said. “When you do that, I think the basketball gods aren’t going to reward you.”
The Magic forward emphasized response over reaction, especially with a win-or-go-home game ahead.
“You just live with the result and come out Friday,” Banchero said. “In front of the home crowd and go get a win.”
Orlando now turns its focus to Charlotte in an elimination game for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
“They’ve been playing really well,” Banchero said. “They’ve kicked our ass this year, so we’ve got to be ready.”
The forward stressed urgency without overcorrection, pointing to preparation and execution as the deciding factors.
“It’s going to take even more of an effort,” Banchero said. “And it’s going to take me playing better as well for us to get the win.”
Banchero also addressed the importance of the home environment for the upcoming matchup at Kia Center.
“You’re just going to need them to be loud,” he said. “Playoff environment and be there so we’re able to feed off that momentum.”
With Orlando’s postseason hopes now hinging on a single game, the message from its star forward remained direct and performance-focused.
“You got to come in Friday with a clear mind,” Banchero said. “And go do what you got to do to win the game.”
