ORLANDO - There just aren’t many players as versatile as Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
They score, pass, rebound, and defend – all at a high level.
And, of course, what makes them even more unique and special is that they are both 6-foot-10.
This was all on display in the Orlando Magic’s 130-125 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday at Amway Center to complete a six-game homestand. It was Orlando’s team-record-tying high ninth straight win.
Both flirted with triple-doubles; Wagner had 31 points, seven rebounds and eight assists and Banchero finished with 28 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
Wagner, who made nine of his 17 floor shots and went 12-of-14 from the free throw line, is now the fifth Orlando player ever to notch 30-plus points in three consecutive games. The others who have accomplished this were Shaquille O’Neal (14 times), Tracy McGrady (13 times), Penny Hardaway (once) and Dwight Howard (once).
"I think the confidence and the trust that he has within his game, but also the confidence and trust that his teammates have in him," Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said of Wagner and his recent performances. "They are finding him, registering and recognizing plays on the fly. Joe (Ingles), Paolo and he all talked about things that can be done in different situations. And it’s great to have a group of young men that can make quick decisions, that are selfless, and that are just trying to find the right play. Doesn’t matter who scores, it’s about making the right play and the right decision while you are on the court.”
Banchero knocked down 11 of his 20 shots from the field, including going 3-of-4 from 3-point range. Moe Wagner, one of the early season frontrunners for the Sixth Man of the Year Award, registered 18 points, while Jalen Suggs scored 15 and Ingles, signed by Orlando in free agency this past summer, had a season-best 14 points.
The Magic, as a team, shot 51.7 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from 3-point range. They also made 26 of their 33 foul shots.
After Washington went up by one with seven minutes and change left, Orlando scored seven unanswered points to reclaim control. Franz made two shots during that stretch, Banchero made one, and Moe hit the other.
Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 27 points, while Daniel Gafford scored 18 and Corey Kispert had 15.
Still out for the Magic were Wendell Carter Jr. (hand) and Markelle Fultz (knee). Jonathan Isaac, who missed the last two games, re-aggravated his sore right ankle in the second quarter and didn't return.
The last time the Magic notched nine consecutive wins was from Dec. 23, 2010 to Jan. 8, 2011. They also did it from Nov. 12, 1994 to Dec. 2, 1994 and from Jan. 30, 2001 to Feb. 18, 2001.
During this current streak, Orlando has defeated the Bulls twice, the Pacers, the Raptors, the Nuggets, the Celtics, the Hornets and the Wizards twice.
“It’s big time for this group,” Mosley said. “More importantly, I think it’s so big for the fans and the organization. There is an energy, a vibe, and a buzz about this group, and our guys are embracing it – not getting too high, not getting too low, but being able to register this is something special. But it is a special group of young men in the locker room that are doing it for all the right reasons, which is for each other.”
They will have a chance to set a new record on Saturday night when they visit the Brooklyn Nets. This will also be an opportunity for the Magic to get some revenge from their loss to the Nets in the NBA In-Season Tournament.