Paolo Banchero hit a go-ahead layup with 14 seconds remaining and scored a season-high 30 points to lift the Orlando Magic to a thrilling 115-113 win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night in Salt Lake City.
Banchero, who had struggled in Orlando’s first four games, had his strongest outing of the season. He scored 10 straight points for the Magic in the final minutes and made 9 of 13 field goals overall.
The 2023 Rookie of the Year also had nine rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks to help the Magic go 2-2 on a four-game trip against Western Conference teams. Franz Wagner added 21 points, and Cole Anthony contributed 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists off the bench. Lauri Markkanen scored 22 points for the Jazz and put Utah up by a point after hitting a 3-pointer to cap a furious late rally. Jordan Clarkson added 21 points and John Collins totaled 20 points and 10 rebounds for Utah, which trailed by 10 points in the fourth quarter before the comeback.