The Lead
Paolo Banchero posted 25 points, Franz Wagner scored 24, Cole Anthony had 16, and Markelle Fultz filled up the stat sheet with 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists, as the Orlando Magic broke a nine-game losing streak in the Bay Area with Saturday’s 115-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center.
Interesting Fact
This was Orlando’s first win in Golden State in either their old arena or new one since Dec. 13, 2012. The starting lineup for the Magic that night featured Nikola Vucevic, Arron Afflalo, Glen Davis, Jameer Nelson, and Maurice Harkless. The Magic have an active five-game winning streak against the Warriors at home.
Key Stretch
The Magic took full control in the third quarter using an 18-5 run. Banchero, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. each made 3-pointers during that stretch, while Fultz hit back-to-back shots to cap the flurry.
Key Stats
The Magic held the Warriors to 37.5 percent overall shooting. That’s the second-lowest field goal percentage by a Magic opponent this season. Orlando, meanwhile, outscored Golden State 52-26 in the paint and 17-11 in fast break points.
Quote of the Day
“He was a big reason I went to Michigan State. As a mentor, as a leader – he’s always been pushing me and always helping me out, especially when I was there and even when I got to the league. He’s always been a guy I can talk to, a guy I can count on to be there. We’ve been building this relationship for 10-plus years now. That’s my guy. We family. I’m happy for his success. It’s been fun to watch him all the time.” – Gary Harris on his bond with fellow Michigan State alum Draymond Green
Injury Report
Bol Bol (health and safety protocols), Chuma Okeke (left knee), and Jonathan Isaac (left knee injury recovery) were out for the Magic. Steph Curry (shoulder), Klay Thompson (knee), JaMychal Green (lower leg), James Wiseman (ankle), and Jonathan Kuminga (foot) were unavailable for the Warriors.
This Day in History
On Jan. 7, 2009, Dwight Howard recorded 23 points and 19 rebounds and Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu each scored 20, as the Magic staved off a late rally from the Hawks to win in Atlanta. Josh Smith led the Hawks with 21 points, while Mike Bibby scored 17 and Marvin Williams had 16.
Rivals Report
Of course, not having Curry for both games and Thompson for one is going to make it more difficult. But the Warriors have now lost two straight at home. Before these two losses, they were 17-2 at Chase Center. Considering they are 3-16 on the road, they can’t afford to start experiencing rough patches in their home building. The final regular season standings matter – a lot! Only one team in NBA history – the 1994-95 Houston Rockets – won the title without being a top four seed in their respective conference.
Up Next
The Magic’s five-game West Coast road trip continues Monday when they take on the Sacramento Kings at 10 p.m. ET. If this contest is anything like their first meeting earlier this season, you’ll want to stay up late to watch it in its entirety. De’Aaron Fox, just after Okeke tied it up for the Magic with a dunk off a steal in the backcourt, buried a game-winning buzzer-beater from just past half-court in overtime to lift the Kings to the victory. Banchero scored a career-high 33 points, while Franz Wagner posted 31 and Bol had 23. Fox finished with 37 points, which remains his season high.
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