Paolo Banchero scores 31 in win over Celtics, Magic’s 6th-consecutive victory
In a game nobody on the Orlando Magic or the Boston Celtics — outside of Paolo Banchero — found their offensive rhythm, it was the hustle plays down the stretch that was the difference maker in the Magic’s 95-92 Sunday win at TD Garden.
The first: Markelle Fultz hustling for an offensive rebound and kicking the ball to out to Franz Wagner for a 3-pointer to give the Magic a 93-89 with 1:41 remaining.
The second and third hustle plays came when Kevon Harris and Fultz grabbed offensive boards with 29.7 seconds and 16 seconds, respectively, so the Magic could maintain possession with a 93-92 lead.
The final one came when Fultz stole Grant Williams’ inbounds pass with 7.6 seconds remaining, forcing Williams to foul Moe Wagner, who sealed the victory for the Magic with a pair of free throws.
The win for the Magic (11-20) was their sixth consecutive.
It’s Orlando’s first six-game win streak since March 14-26, 2019 and just its second six-game win streak since the 2011-12 season.
Banchero carried the Magic offensively, scoring 31 points on a career-high 6-of-7 shooting on 3s. He shot 9 of 21 from the floor and 7 of 9 on free throws.
Admiral Schofield scored 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting (3 of 5 on 3s) in 17 minutes, leading all bench scorers for both teams.
Franz Wagner had 12 points but on 5-of-15 shooting to go with 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
Moe Wagner and Bol Bol had 11 points.
The Magic will play the Hawks in Atlanta Monday on the second night of the road back-to-back.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at khprice@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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