In a commanding display, the Orlando Magic outperformed the Washington Wizards with a score of 120-105 on March 21, 2025, showcasing their talent and determination that has characterized their recent games. Leading the charge was Paolo Banchero, who scored an impressive 30 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, following a strong performance that continues to build his value in the league. The Magic, who entered the game as the lowest scoring team in the NBA, did something they have only managed to do eight times this season: score 120 points or more, and they continue to excel in these high-scoring games with a record of 7-1 in those outings.
Joining Banchero in the strong showing were teammates Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr., who contributed 21 and 16 points respectively. The Orlando Magic's well-rounded attack saw six players reaching double figures, indicating a team effort that kept the Wizards on their back foot throughout the night. For the Wizards, rookie Alex Sarr led the team with 19 points, highlighting his growth as he scored his ninth double-double in the season, as he continues to develop since being the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft.
The Magic entered the contest just below the playoff bar, sitting in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, and the game was essential for their quest to secure a higher seed in the Play-In Tournament. Orlando's record improved to 33-38, with only 11 games left to reshape their fate for the postseason. Conversely, the Wizards struggled, falling to a discouraging 15-54, now holding the worst record in the league after suffering three consecutive defeats.
Right from the start, the game held an electric pace, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess as they shot a remarkable 61 percent from the floor in the first quarter alone. By the end of the quarter, the Magic led by a narrow 33-30 margin, setting the stage for what would become a lopsided game. The second quarter allowed the Magic to carve out a meaningful lead, thanks to a strong scoring run that included a series of points from Banchero, who helped surge the Magic ahead to a comfortable 67-54 lead at halftime.
After the break, the game took a decisive turn in Orlando's favor. Climbing higher into the lead, the Magic executed a game-defining 21-8 run in the third quarter. This significant stretch was characterized by Banchero's dazzling steal and dunk, combined with successful three-point shots from Cory Joseph, who ended the night shooting 3-6 from beyond the arc. By the early moments of the fourth quarter, the Magic's lead had ballooned to a whopping 33 points.
The bench players saw considerable minutes late in the game, including Mac McClung, who made a rare appearance for the Magic, playing the final 5:21 of the game but did not find the basket, finishing with 0-2 from the field. Meanwhile, Wizards guard Jordan Poole aimed for a personal milestone, reaching 203 made three-pointers this season, although he remains 20 shy of the franchise record of 223 established by Bradley Beal during the 2016-17 season.
The final statistics reflected Orlando's dominance in several categories, including a commanding advantage on the boards, where they out-rebounded the Wizards 55-41. This disparity in rebounds was essential for enabling the Magic to launch 9 more field goals than their opponents throughout the game. While Orlando was celebrating their triumph, Washington was left to ponder their ongoing struggles as they prepare to visit New York next, facing another challenge on March 22, 2025.
As the Magic look to solidify their place in the Play-In Tournament, they will face a formidable opponent next as the Los Angeles Lakers come to Orlando on March 24, 2025. With their playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, every game becomes critical, and performances like the one against the Wizards will be vital as they aim for a successful end to the regular season.
