Orlando climbs to No. 8
Orlando edged Sacramento 121-117 to vault into the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference — a huge swing for the Magic’s playoff hopes. The close win underscores how tight the bubble is with every late‑season game counting double. (x.com)
Paolo Banchero finished with 30 points, nine rebounds and seven assists on 11‑for‑22 shooting and 7‑for‑8 at the line, marking his third straight 30‑point game and the 25th 30/5/5 performance of his career. (ESPN: ) Desmond Bane poured in 23 points while Tristan da Silva added 18, and Jalen Suggs returned from a two‑game illness absence to post eight points and four assists, drilling a go‑ahead 3 with 27.4 seconds left. (ESPN box score/play‑by‑play: ) The victory snapped Orlando’s six‑game losing streak after a skid that began immediately following a seven‑game win run earlier in the season. (AP via ESPN recap: ) DeMar DeRozan led Sacramento with 33 points and 11 assists, while Daeqwon Plowden shot 6‑for‑10 from deep for 23 points as the Kings remained 19‑55 and at the bottom of the Western Conference. (ESPN box score: ) The game drew 17,256 fans at the Kia/Amway Center and was officiated by James Capers, Dedric Taylor and Michael Smith, according to the official box score. (ESPN box score: ) Orlando’s next game is on the road against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, March 29, while Sacramento heads to Atlanta for Saturday’s matchup, per the league schedule. (NBA/Orlando schedule & ESPN recap: and )
