Franz Wagner Scores Season High Thirty Three Points

The Orlando Magic finally got back on track Tuesday night, using a big performance from Franz Wagner and Anthony Black to defeat the Sacramento Kings 107-100 and snap a four-game losing streak. Wagner delivered a season high 33 points, along with seven rebounds and seven assists, while Black added 26 points, seven rebounds, five assists and four steals as Orlando overcame several key injuries to secure the road victory.

Wagner shot 10 of 21 from the field and was perfect from the free throw line, making all 10 attempts. He continued his strong recent offensive play after recording 30 points and 11 assists in Saturday’s 126-119 loss to the Golden State Warriors. Black provided another major scoring contribution, helping the Magic maintain control against a Sacramento team that has struggled early in the season.

Wagner and Black Lead Orlando’s Offensive Attack

Orlando took control during the second quarter, with Wagner knocking down a 3-pointer to cap an 18-5 run that gave the Magic a 52-43 advantage with 3:10 remaining before halftime. The Magic maintained the lead the rest of the way, making enough plays down the stretch to secure their first victory in five games.

Desmond Bane contributed 15 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. finished with eight points and 11 rebounds for Orlando. The Magic were without several important contributors, including Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac and Tristan da Silva.

Banchero, the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year and a 2024 All-Star, missed his eighth consecutive game with a high ankle sprain. The 6-foot-10 forward sustained the injury during Orlando’s 115-93 home loss to Minnesota on Oct. 23. Despite the absences, Wagner and Black provided enough offensive production to help Orlando get back into the win column.

Kings Continue to Struggle at Home

Sacramento’s early-season struggles continued as the Kings suffered their fourth consecutive loss and fell to 0-6 at home this season. Zach LaVine led Sacramento with 31 points, shooting 10 of 16 from the field and connecting on six of his nine attempts from beyond the 3-point arc. Rookie Darius Acuff Jr. also delivered an impressive performance, finishing with 29 points while making four 3 pointers.

The 19-year-old Acuff now has 288 points through his first 11 NBA games, the most by any rookie over that span since Michael Jordan scored 289 points for the Chicago Bulls in 1984. Domantas Sabonis, who missed Sunday’s 114-108 home loss to the Miami Heat because of left knee soreness, returned to the lineup but struggled offensively.

The three time All Star and NBA rebounding champion was scoreless in 24 minutes, shooting 0 of 2 from the field. He finished with five assists and two rebounds. Sacramento received strong scoring performances from LaVine and Acuff but could not overcome Orlando’s second-quarter surge and Wagner’s offensive production.

Up Coming NBA Games

The Magic will look to build on Tuesday’s victory when they travel to Utah to face the Jazz on Wednesday. The Kings will have additional time to regroup before returning home Friday to host the Portland Trail Blazers as they attempt to end their four-game losing streak.