Paolo Banchero's 30 points help Magic stop skid vs. Kings

Orlando snaps six-game losing streak with victory over Sacramento

Mar. 27, 2026 at 7:25am

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Paolo Banchero scored a team-high 30 points and combined with Desmond Bane for 8 points in a late 12-0 run that helped the Orlando Magic defeat the Sacramento Kings 121-117 on Thursday night. The win snapped a six-game losing streak for the Magic, who moved into a three-way tie for eighth in the Eastern Conference play-in seeding race.

Why it matters

This game was an important one for the Magic, who had been struggling with a six-game losing streak. The win helped them stay in the hunt for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. For the Kings, the loss continued their recent struggles, as they've now lost 4 of their last 5 games.

The details

Banchero hit 11 of his 22 shots and also had 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Bane added 23 points, while Tristan da Silva had 18 for the Magic. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 33 points and a season-high-tying 11 assists. Daeqwon Plowden hit 6 3-pointers and scored a career-high 23 points off the bench for Sacramento.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 27, 2026.

The players

Paolo Banchero

A forward for the Orlando Magic who scored a team-high 30 points in the win.

Desmond Bane

A guard for the Orlando Magic who scored 23 points and combined with Banchero for 8 points in a key 12-0 run.

DeMar DeRozan

A forward for the Sacramento Kings who led all scorers with 33 points and recorded a double-double with 11 assists.

Daeqwon Plowden

A guard for the Sacramento Kings who came off the bench to score a career-high 23 points, hitting 6 3-pointers.

Tristan da Silva

A forward for the Orlando Magic who scored 18 points, including 3 3-pointers.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This game was an important win for the Magic as they try to stay in the playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference. Banchero's continued strong play and the team's ability to respond to a late Kings run showed their resilience. For the Kings, the loss was another disappointment in what has been a difficult season, but Plowden's career night provided a bright spot.