Magic control second half in 126-109 win over Wizards as Banchero scores 37 at home
Orlando pulls away after halftime behind efficient scoring and a sharp edge at the foul line
The Orlando Magic defeated the Washington Wizards 126-109 on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Kia Center, using a dominant third quarter to turn a close first half into a comfortable home victory.
Orlando led 57-54 at halftime, then opened separation by outscoring Washington 40-27 in the third quarter. The Magic finished the night shooting 55% from the field (42-of-76), compared with the Wizards’ 47% (43-of-92). Orlando also converted 32-of-37 free throws (86%), a major scoring advantage over Washington’s 16-of-25 (64%).
Quarter-by-quarter scoring: Orlando 27-30-40-29 (126), Washington 24-30-27-28 (109).
Banchero leads starters; Bane adds perimeter efficiency
Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 37 points on 15-of-21 shooting, adding six assists and five rebounds in 32 minutes. Desmond Bane provided 25 points on 7-of-10 shooting, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, and made all eight of his free throws.
Jalen Suggs contributed 10 points and nine assists, while Tristan da Silva posted eight points and nine rebounds. Goga Bitadze scored nine points and pulled down six rebounds.
- Paolo Banchero: 37 points, 15-21 FG, 6 assists
- Desmond Bane: 25 points, 7-10 FG, 3-5 3PT, 8-8 FT
- Team shooting: Magic 55% FG, Wizards 47% FG
Washington gets balanced bench scoring but struggles from three
Washington’s offense received a lift from its bench, including 18 points from Jaden Hardy and 16 from Sharife Cooper. Justin Champagnie added 13 points and eight rebounds in 23 minutes.
Still, the Wizards’ perimeter shooting made it difficult to keep pace after Orlando’s third-quarter surge. Washington went 7-of-32 from three (22%), while Orlando hit 10-of-25 (40%).
Orlando also posted 33 assists to Washington’s 23, reflecting cleaner offensive execution, especially after halftime. The win moved the Magic to 32-28 on the season, while the Wizards fell to 16-46.