NBA: Banchero’s Triple-Double Leads Magic to 121-106 Victory over Pelicans

The Orlando Magic secured a 121-106 win against the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA, with Paolo Banchero contributing 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists to achieve his second career triple-double. Despite missing his first 10 shots, Banchero rallied to finish 9 of 18 from the field. The Magic concluded their second winning season in 12 years with a 42-28 record.

In Washington, the Wizards ended a 5-game losing streak with a 109-102 victory against the Sacramento Kings. Kyle Kuzma was pivotal in the win, scoring 31 points and securing 6 rebounds, overcoming recent shoulder soreness that caused him to miss the team’s previous two games.

The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Brooklyn Nets 115-108, taking advantage of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return to the field. Damian Lillard scored 30 points, made two late steals, and provided 12 assists. Despite a competitive second-half comeback, the Nets suffered their fifth straight loss.

Elsewhere, the Houston Rockets enjoyed a 127-117 win against the Chicago Bulls. Key performances included Jalen Green with 26 points and Dillon Brook scoring 23 before his ejection from the game. Houston’s victory further narrows their gap to Golden State in their quest to secure the final play-in spot in the Western Conference.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks moved into the last guaranteed playoff position in the Western Conference with a 113-97 win over the Utah Jazz. The game featured Luka Doncic scoring 34 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. Daniel Gafford added 24 points, securing Dallas’s third straight win.