ORLANDO, Fla. – The Dallas Mavericks took a crucial step in their playoff push with a hard-fought 101-92 victory over the Orlando Magic on Thursday night at the Kia Center. This win not only marked the Mavericks' fourth victory in their last 14 games but also pushed them ahead of the Phoenix Suns into 10th place in the Western Conference, a vital spot as they chase a postseason berth.
With both teams entering the matchup with identical 35-38 records, the stakes were high. The Mavericks, who had struggled on the road with a 15-22 record this season, faced a Magic squad that had won three straight games and was looking to solidify its position in the playoff race. However, it was Dallas that emerged victorious, thanks to a dominant third quarter.
After trailing at halftime, the Mavericks exploded in the third period, outscoring the Magic 34-20, highlighted by a stunning 20-2 run. Jaden Hardy, coming off the bench, was instrumental in this turnaround, scoring 22 points and making 5 of 6 attempts from beyond the arc. His three 3-pointers in a span of 90 seconds helped shift the momentum firmly in Dallas's favor.
“We really needed this win,” Hardy said after the game. “We’ve been struggling, and it feels great to contribute in such a big way.”
Anthony Davis, in just his third game since being traded from the Los Angeles Lakers, added 15 points and seven rebounds, exceeding his minute restriction by 51 seconds, a testament to his importance in this matchup. Despite limited time on the court, his presence was felt, especially in critical moments.
On the other side, the Magic were led by Paolo Banchero, who scored 35 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, marking his fifth consecutive game with at least 30 points. This achievement places him in elite company, as he becomes the first player since Tracy McGrady in 2003 to accomplish such a feat for the franchise.
“I feel like it’s been a common issue, and it’s been biting us in the ass,” Banchero reflected on the team’s struggles, particularly in the third quarter. “But I can’t really pinpoint one thing.”
Franz Wagner contributed with 20 points and nine rebounds, but the Magic's offensive struggles were evident as they shot just 5 of 30 from three-point range. The team also committed 17 turnovers, which led to 22 points for the Mavericks, a statistic that proved critical in the final outcome.
“We could have been better about getting into our offense quicker,” Banchero added. “We weren’t getting out and running, and we weren’t pushing the pace. We kind of let them dictate the pace of the game.”
The Mavericks' bench was a significant factor in their victory, outscoring the Magic's reserves 57-19. Alongside Hardy, Brandon Williams and Max Christie contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively, showcasing the depth of Dallas's lineup.
Despite entering the game with high hopes, the Magic's inability to convert opportunities and their defensive lapses in the third quarter ultimately cost them the game. Coach Jamahl Mosley expressed disappointment in the team’s performance, particularly in the second half.
“Our intensity and our focus was good for 36 minutes, but we need to play a full 48-minute game,” Mosley stated. “Tonight, we didn’t do that.”
The loss marked the Magic’s seventh defeat in their last eight home games, a troubling trend as they look to secure a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. With just eight games left in the regular season, the pressure is mounting.
Looking ahead, the Magic will attempt to rebound on Saturday, March 29, when they host the Sacramento Kings at 5 p.m. ET. Meanwhile, the Mavericks will head to Chicago to face the Bulls, hoping to build on their recent success.
As the season winds down, every game becomes crucial. The Mavericks' victory not only boosts their playoff hopes but also serves as a reminder of their potential when they play to their strengths. For the Magic, it’s a wake-up call to address their inconsistencies and capitalize on their opportunities as they fight for a postseason berth.
