The Orlando Magic pulled off a stunning upset over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, defeating the Western Conference leaders 112-98 at the Amway Center. The Magic, who entered the game as 12-point underdogs, used a balanced offensive attack and a stifling defensive effort to snap the Mavericks’ five-game winning streak.
Banchero Leads the Way for Orlando
The Magic were led by second-year star Paolo Banchero, who continued his impressive start to the season with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Banchero, who was named the NBA Rookie of the Year last season, has been averaging 27.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game this season, putting him in the early conversation for the MVP award.
Banchero was efficient and effective against the Mavericks, shooting 11-of-18 from the field, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. He also made clutch plays down the stretch, scoring 10 points in the fourth quarter to help the Magic seal the win.
Banchero was supported by a strong performance from the Magic bench, which outscored the Mavericks’ reserves 46-24. Rookie point guard Anthony Black had 15 points and five assists, while center Goga Bitadze added 14 points and 12 rebounds. The Magic also got contributions from veterans Evan Fournier (13 points) and Aaron Gordon (12 points).
Magic Shut Down Doncic and Irving
The key to the Magic’s victory was their defense, which held the Mavericks to their lowest point total of the season. The Mavericks, who came into the game with the second-best offensive rating in the league, were limited to 39.5 percent shooting from the field and 31.3 percent from three-point range. The Magic also forced 18 turnovers, which they converted into 24 points.
The Magic’s defensive strategy was focused on slowing down the Mavericks’ dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who have been lighting up the league with their scoring and playmaking abilities. Doncic and Irving combined for 51 points, but they needed 46 shots to get there, as they struggled to find their rhythm and efficiency.
Doncic, who was averaging 32 points per game before the matchup, finished with 27 points on 10-of-26 shooting, including 3-of-11 from deep. He also had nine assists and seven rebounds, but he committed six turnovers and missed four free throws. Irving, who was averaging 25.8 points per game, had 24 points on 9-of-20 shooting, including 2-of-8 from long range. He also had six assists and four rebounds, but he also had four turnovers and missed three free throws.
The Magic’s defense was led by Banchero, who guarded Doncic for most of the night, and Black, who took on the challenge of defending Irving. The two young players showed their versatility and toughness, as they contested shots, fought through screens, and disrupted passing lanes. They also received help from their teammates, who rotated well and communicated effectively.
Magic Celebrate First Home Win of the Season
The win was the Magic’s first at home this season, as they improved their record to 5-2. The Magic have been one of the surprise teams in the league, as they have exceeded expectations under new head coach Jamahl Mosley. Mosley, who was an assistant coach for the Mavericks for seven seasons, got his first win against his former team and mentor, Rick Carlisle.
The Magic have been playing with a lot of energy, effort, and enthusiasm, as they have embraced Mosley’s defensive philosophy and team-oriented approach. The Magic have also shown resilience and depth, as they have overcome injuries to key players such as Markelle Fultz and Wendell Carter Jr.
The Magic will look to build on their momentum when they host the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, while the Mavericks will try to bounce back when they visit the Miami Heat on Thursday.
