Banchero Stars as Magic Snap Six-Game Skid with 111-107 Triumph Over Kings

Key Takeaways:

• On Thursday, Paolo Banchero delivered 30 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists as Orlando defeated Sacramento 111-107, ending their six-game losing streak
• Banchero recorded his third consecutive game with 30 or more points and has now posted at least 30 points, five rebounds, and five assists on 25 occasions in his four-year career
• Jalen Suggs returned from illness for the Magic, while DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 33 points and 11 assists

Banchero’s Impact Leads Orlando to Victory

Paolo Banchero was in scintillating form for the Orlando Magic on Thursday evening, posting 30 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists to help his side secure a 111-107 victory over the Sacramento Kings. This win halted a frustrating six-game stretch without a win for Orlando and reignited their quest for a play-in place in the fiercely contested Eastern Conference.

Banchero’s scoring spree marked his third game in succession logging at least 30 points. Over his four-year NBA career, he has now achieved 30 or more points with a minimum of five rebounds and five assists on 25 occasions, a feat in the franchise only bettered by Tracy McGrady, who managed it 66 times.

WAGIC WIN 🪄 pic.twitter.com/zB9XzeHLDQ

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 27, 2026

Magic’s Play-In Race Intensifies

The Magic, who dropped down the standings following their recent losing run, had previously surged to fifth in the conference following a seven-game winning streak. Thursday’s win brought them level with Charlotte and Miami, creating a three-way tie for eighth position. Atlanta (41-32), Toronto (40-32), and Philadelphia (40-33) are narrowly ahead. The top six sides in each conference will secure direct qualification to the playoffs, avoiding the play-in tournament entirely.

Desmond Bane contributed 23 points for Orlando, and Jalen Suggs made a welcome return from a two-game illness absence, adding eight points and four assists across 34 minutes.

Kings Battle Late but Fall Short

For the Sacramento Kings, DeMar DeRozan turned in an impressive display, registering 33 points and 11 assists. Daeqwon Plowden provided late drama with a 3-pointer at the 50.4-second mark, trimming Orlando’s nine-point advantage to just a single point at 116-115. However, Jalen Suggs responded decisively with a three-pointer of his own with 27.4 seconds remaining to give Orlando a more comfortable margin in the closing seconds.

Plowden finished with 23 points, firing 6-for-10 from beyond the arc, while Precious Achiuwa chipped in with 14 points and nine rebounds for Sacramento, who currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference with a record of 19-55.

Looking Ahead

Next up, the Kings will head to Atlanta to face the Hawks on Saturday, while the Magic are set to visit Toronto on Sunday as both teams continue their respective campaigns.