Paolo Banchero returns and leads Magic in drubbing Jazz

Paolo Banchero finished with 29 points, nine rebounds, and six assists versus Utah as he returned to the lineup after missing two games due to the flu. The Magic silence the Jazz, 115-107, to win their 10th game in the last 13 games.

WAGIC WIN 🪄 pic.twitter.com/COo0xdeRTS

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 1, 2024

Jalen Suggs (15 points) helped in securing the victory when he hit three 3-pointers in the final three minutes of the game. He shot 5-for-8 from the field and 4-for-7 from the rainbow territory before fouling out in the final seconds.

The Wagner brothers, Franz and Moritz, contributed 14 points each.

The returning Banchero pounded on a shorthander Jazz frontcourt, who missed Walker Kessler. The NBA All-Star and reigning Rookie of the Year garnered 14 points in the final frame alone.

P5 byke

29 PTS | 9 REB | 6 AST | 14 PTS in the 4th https://t.co/oEo6uz4d6W pic.twitter.com/my97kyHU7D

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 1, 2024

The game was tied 99-99 with under five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Magic needed Suggs' aforementioned streak from three to created the much-needed separation for the win.

JALEN SUGGS WITH HIS THIRD TRIPLE IN TWO MINUTES. SEVEN POINT GAME pic.twitter.com/a4tMc7mWOf

— Magic Film Room (@MagicFilmRoom) March 1, 2024

The Jazz was paced by John Collins, Keyonte George, and Collin Sexton who each scored 19 points.

Markkanen added 18 for the slumping Jazz, who lost their seventh in eight games.

The Magic are now poised at no. 7 in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 34-26. They now have matched their total wins from last season. Utah (27-33), meanwhile, is currently outside of the Play-In zone at the 11th spot out West.