WASHINGTON (AP) — Paolo Banchero had 33 points, a career-high 18 rebounds and eight assists, and the Orlando Magic defeated the Washington Wizards 109-97 on Thursday night.
Franz Wagner added 27 points for the Magic, who won their second straight and sixth of eight to move a game ahead of Atlanta for the top Eastern Conference play-in tournament spot. Orlando has beaten Washington 10 straight times.
Rookie Bub Carrington scored a career-high 32 points and had nine rebounds for the Wizards in their second-to-last home game. The 14th overall selection in the NBA draft shot 12 of 18 overall and made a career-high seven of his 10 3-point attempts.
Orlando won comfortably despite letting what was a 19-point lead dwindle to three late in the third quarter.
TakeawaysMagic: Banchero's double-double was his 10th of the season. He bested his previous career mark of 16 rebounds, set on Nov. 5, 2022 against Sacramento.
Wizards: Carrington's seven 3s also set a Wizards rookie record. ... Coach Brian Keefe said before the game that Bilal Coulibaly (right hamstring) is unlikely to return this season. The second-year swingman's most recent appearance was on March 10.
Key momentWagner scored the first seven points of the fourth quarter to give the Magic some breathing room, including his third 3-pointer of the night from the right wing, followed by a steal and dunk that stretched it to 88-76.
Key statThe Magic committed only 12 personal fouls, helping them to a 25-11 advantage in free throw attempts. Two of their fouls were flagrant.
Up nextThe Wizards visit Boston for the final time on Sunday, while the Magic get a four-day break before hosting Atlanta on Tuesday.
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