Facing a team that was playing on the second night of a back-to-back such as the Raptors on Monday night, the Magic had a chance to earn a quality win on the road in a contest between the Nos. 4 and No. 5 teams in the NBA‘s Eastern Conference.
Orlando failed to take advantage of the opportunity when it fell 107-106 inside Scotiabank Arena as Toronto completed a 21-point comeback against Jamahl Mosley‘s squad.
Although Paolo Banchero (23 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists) recorded the fourth triple-double of his career and his second of the season, the Magic forward missed a step-back 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Despite Banchero, Anthony Black (27 points) and Desmond Bane (18) combining for 68 points, the Raptors shut down the Magic in the fourth quarter, limiting them to just 12 points.
Toronto (20-14) entered the night 3-12 in games trailing after three quarters but Orlando missed 11 of its final 13 shots from the floor, going almost six minutes without scoring at one point in the fourth.
The Magic (18-15) continue to their three-game road trip Wednesday with an afternoon matchup against the Pacers.
Banchero’s impact
A slow start didn’t deter Banchero on Monday from making his presence felt on both ends of the court.
After he scored just 2 points on 1-for-5 shooting in the opening frame, the Magic forward responded with 13 points in the second quarter to have 15 at the break.
Banchero slammed down two dunks in different fashions (first with two hands, then later with one) during the third quarter while he notched his team-leading eighth double-double of the season, but he didn’t score in the fourth frame.
Bane and Black
Often attacking the basket, Black posted 16 points in the third quarter when he made all seven of his attempts at the free throw line.
Still, Black turned the ball over 4 times while adding 3 assists and 3 rebounds in 32 minutes.
Meanwhile, Bane notched 18 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in 30 minutes but, similar to Banchero, was held scoreless in the final frame.
Bane exited the game with 4:41 left and was considered questionable to return due to back spasms. He returned to the court for Orlando’s final possession.
Rookie watch
Magic first-round pick Jase Richardson played in his eighth straight game when he scored 7 points in 20 minutes.
Although he shot 1 for 4 from beyond the arc, the No. 25 pick moved well with and without the ball, relocating to find his spots on the floor.
He added 3 rebounds and 4 assists while second-round pick Noah Penda played 5 minutes with a rebound.
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com