Magic defeat Pelicans 121-106 at Kia Center in Orlando

Paolo Banchero scored 20 points, grabbed 10 boards, and gave 11 assists for 2nd career triple-double to lead the Orlando Magic to a 121-106 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans.

WAGIC WIN ? pic.twitter.com/BJMcAMUKFS

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 22, 2024

At 42-28, Orlando wrapped up their 2^nd winning campaign in 12 seasons. Magic triumphed in 18 of the last 23 matches.

Paolo missed his 1^st 10 shots, 2 of them from the free throw line, but then scored 9 of his next 18 shots. Jalen Suggs led Magic with 22 points, and Franz Wagner helped with 18.

Paolo Banchero drops a triple-double to lead the @OrlandoMagic to their 5th straight win and 8th over the last 10 ??

20 PTS | 10 REB | 11 AST pic.twitter.com/EMnon0qsvW

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— NBA (@NBA) March 22, 2024

Trey Murphy III notched 21 points for the Pelicans. Zion Williamson had 20 points, 7 boards but also finished with 8 turnovers.

New Orleans, who had triumphed in 7 of the past 8, lost Brandon Ingram at the beginning of the 2^nd half as he sustained a left knee problem.

Orlando guard Gary Harris also left the match with an injury.

New Orleans will play against the Heat in Miami on Friday, while Orlando will host the Kings on Saturday.