The Orlando Magic came out of the All-Star break swinging with Paolo Banchero and Jevon Carter playing a big part in an even bigger win.
The Orlando Magic produced a record-setting night in a 131-94 win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday to kick off their four-game West Coast trip following the All-Star break, and Paolo Banchero led the way.
Banchero scored 30 points in an effort that saw the Magic hit 27 3-pointers— marking the first time in franchise history they have notched 20-plus threes in consecutive games. Banchero was responsible for five of them on an efficient seven attempts, and he talked about the impact of it afterward.
“Yeah, just a good way to start this back half of the season coming off the break,” Banchero said. “Setting a 3-point record, that's a great sign. And yeah, I think we just did a good job of, like I said, finding the advantage and then playing from there and finding the open man.”
The win, and Banchero’s performance, were encouraging for a Magic team who has once again lost the services of forward Franz Wagner for an indefinite amount of time as he continues to struggle with rehabilitating his left ankle. Without him, more responsibility shifts to Banchero, and he answered the call.
“Yeah, just trying to come out, impose my will, be aggressive,” Banchero said. “Like you said, a lot of important games coming up. So, I think everybody on the team understands that, just coming out and doing whatever we got to do to win these games.”
Newly acquired guard Jevon Carter also received his first meaningful minutes in the contest since joining Orlando after the trade deadline. In 23 minutes, the eighth-year guard logged 14 points on 62.5% shooting along with four assists, three rebounds and a steal.
“Just his energy, his energy, his voice; obviously his play,” Banchero said when asked what stood out to him about Carter’s performance. He's active on defense; shot maker on offense. He tries to make the right play as a point guard and yeah, I mean, I think he really fits into just what we do.”
“And him being a guy that's been in the league a little minute, he has a great perspective. And just encouraging him to continue to use his voice out there.”
For Carter, Thursday’s performance was a product of his work ethic.
“You know, I pride myself on hard work,” Carter said. “You know, hard work always pays off; that's a model I live by. It was definitely a lot of fun being out there with the guys really getting back into the swing of things.”
The Magic have started off the right way following the break, but at 29-25 and seventh in the Eastern Conference, it is going to take a lot more success to get to where they want to be.
“We're in a tight race in the standings — I'm not trying to be in the play-in,” Banchero said. We're in seventh right now, so we're just trying to take it one game at a time. We know that this is a big road trip as well; facing some good Western Conference teams.”
Orlando will visit the Phoenix Suns on Saturday at 5 p.m. EST.