Paolo Banchero scores 24 points in 3 quarters in the Magic's 121-91 victory over the Kings

Paolo Banchero scores 24 points in 3 quarters in the Magic’s 121-91 victory over the Kings

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Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) shoots against Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) collects a pass in front of Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis, left, goes up for a shot in front of Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley directs his team against the Sacramento Kings during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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Sacramento Kings head coach Doug Christie directs players on the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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Sacramento Kings guard Keon Ellis looks to pass the ball as he is caught between Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) and guard Cory Joseph (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valanciunas, left, goes after a loose ball after he fell between Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) and center Goga Bitadze (35) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) drives to the basket against Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) shoots in from of Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze (35) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine (8) goes between Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) and forward Paolo Banchero, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Paolo Banchero scored 24 points in three quarters and the Orlando Magic beat the Sacramento Kings 121-91 on Saturday night.

Orlando pulled even with Atlanta for seventh place in the Eastern Conference, though the Magic have played two more games than the Hawks.

Franz Wagner added 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting to help Orlando rebound from a home loss to Dallas on Thursday night that ended a three-game winning streak. Banchero also had six rebounds and six assists.

DeMar DeRozan led Sacramento with 21 points, and Domantas Sabonis had 14 points and 13 rebounds in the opener of six-game trip. The Kings are in a tight race with Dallas and Phoenix for the final two play-in spots in the Western Conference.

Takeaways

Kings: Sacramento failed to build on a home victory over Portland on Thursday night that ended a four-game losing streak.

Magic: Caleb Houstan scored 18 points on 6-of-7 3-point shooting. Wendall Carter Jr. made all three of his 3-point attempts in a 12-point night.

Key moment

Orlando took control early, hitting 5 of 10 3-pointers in the first quarter for a 38-21 lead. Sacramento was 0 for 6 from long range in the quarter.

Key stat

Orlando had 31 assists to only 17 for Sacramento.

Up next

Both teams play Monday night. The Kings are at Indiana, and the Magic host the Los Angeles Clippers.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba