The Orlando Magic held off a late push from the Phoenix Suns to secure a hard-earned 115–111 victory Tuesday night, powered by balanced scoring and clutch free throws down the stretch.
Desmond Bane led Orlando with 21 points, while Jalen Suggs delivered an all-around performance with 20 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as the Magic snapped through a tense finish to earn just their second win in the last nine games.
Phoenix star Devin Booker did everything he could to keep the Suns in it, pouring in a game-high 34 points. His clutch 3-pointer with 3.1 seconds remaining pulled the Suns within two, but Tristan da Silva calmly sank two free throws on the ensuing possession to seal the victory for Orlando.
Paolo Banchero nearly posted a triple-double for the Magic, finishing with 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Wendell Carter Jr. added a strong interior presence with 15 points and 12 rebounds as Orlando overcame a turnover-heavy performance that nearly cost them late.
Despite committing 25 turnovers — after turning it over 28 times in a lopsided loss at Toronto on Sunday — the Magic built a cushion early and showed resilience when Phoenix rallied in the second half.
The first half was especially chaotic and physical. Orlando carried a 70–56 lead into the break in a stretch that featured 26 turnovers, 47 free throws and 41 fouls. Emotions ran high as technical fouls were assessed to Dillon Brooks, Booker, Bane, Banchero and injured Magic forward Franz Wagner, who was not in uniform.
Brooks, playing his first game since breaking his hand against Orlando on Feb. 21, finished with nine points and five rebounds in 22 foul-plagued minutes. He picked up a technical foul just 89 seconds into the contest and was one of 10 players to register at least four personal fouls in the physical matchup.
Phoenix surged back behind Booker’s strong third quarter, during which he scored 14 points — including nine from the free-throw line. Royce O’Neale added momentum with three 3-pointers in a two-minute burst late in the period, helping the Suns erase Orlando’s lead and tie the game at 94 entering the fourth.
Brooks briefly gave Phoenix its final advantage at 107–105 with a long jumper late in the game. But Banchero and Bane answered immediately with key baskets to restore Orlando’s lead and set up the closing sequence that sealed the win.
The victory marked a much-needed response for the Magic after recent struggles and showcased their ability to close out a tight game under pressure.
The Suns continue their road trip Thursday at Charlotte, while the Magic return home Wednesday to host Atlanta.
