Apr 3, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dunks the ball as Washington Wizards forward Justin Champagnie (9) defends in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Orlando Magic Crush The Wizards

The Orlando Magic (38-40) dominate the Washington Wizards (17-60) in a 109-97 ending score. Here is the recap of the game:

The Magic

Thursday night’s game against the Wizards was a brilliant showcase of the Magic’s collective strength and skill. Orlando dominated on both ends of the floor, led by Franz Wagner’s 27 points and 5 rebounds, who seemed to have a hand in every critical moment.

https://twitter.com/OrlandoMagic/status/1907983609929040345

Paolo Banchero added 33 points and 18 rebounds, continuously attacking the rim with aggression and finishing in style. As a team, Orlando forced 12 turnovers, which kept the Wizards on their heels. By the end of the night, it was clear that this wasn’t just a win—it was a statement performance, with Orlando firing on all cylinders.

The Wizards

In Thursday’s matchup the Wizards were once again left searching for answers. Despite the loss, it was a night to remember for rookie guard Bub Carrington exploded for a career-high 32 points. Carrington was an offensive force, shooting an impressive 12-of-18 from the field and a scorching 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. His performance wasn’t just about scoring—he also added nine rebounds and seven assists, showcasing his all-around game.

Despite his brilliance, the Wizards could not find enough support elsewhere. Marcus Smart, the veteran guard, chipped in 12 points, but the team’s offensive flow struggled as Alex Sarr, who added 10 points, had a tough night shooting, going just 4-of-16 from the field.

What’s Next

For the two teams, there are some positives and negatives to look towards. With Orlando barely being under 0.500, there is a chance to come back with a winning season. The Magic will play against the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday in Orlando as they look to win a game at home.

With the playoffs no longer a realistic goal, Washington is left with the challenge of finding consistency and building momentum heading into the offseason.

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