Magic Stun Pelicans with Comeback Victory

Desmond Bane's 27 points lead Orlando to a 112-108 win over New Orleans

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:19am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the players and action on the court.The Magic's dramatic comeback victory over the Pelicans showcases the team's resilience and potential as a rising force in the NBA.New Orleans Today

The Orlando Magic overcame a 15-point second-half deficit to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 112-108 on Sunday night. Led by Desmond Bane's 27 points and Paolo Banchero's 23, the Magic went on a 14-2 run in the fourth quarter to erase the Pelicans' lead and secure the victory.

Why it matters

This win extends the Magic's impressive winning streak against the Pelicans to nine games and their dominance in New Orleans to the same number. It suggests a psychological edge the Magic have developed over their opponent, a mental fortitude that allows them to perform when it matters most. The comeback also boosts Orlando's playoff aspirations, pulling them within one game of the sixth-place Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference standings.

The details

The Magic struggled from beyond the arc in the first half, shooting just 7-for-33 (21%) from 3-point range. However, they refused to fold and instead mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, led by Bane and Banchero. The Pelicans, on the other hand, managed to hit only one field goal in the final 4:50 of the game, a painful collapse that marked their seventh consecutive defeat.

  • The Magic overcame a 15-point deficit in the second half to win the game on Sunday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Desmond Bane

A key player for the Orlando Magic, scoring 27 points to lead his team to victory.

Paolo Banchero

The Magic's young star, contributing 23 points in the comeback win.

Saddiq Bey

The Pelicans' leading scorer, with 32 points in the losing effort.

Yves Missi

The Pelicans' forward, who had 18 points and 13 rebounds in the game.

Zion Williamson

The Pelicans' star player, who was limited to just one point in the fourth quarter as his team's offense faltered.

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What’s next

The Magic will look to build on this comeback victory as they continue their push for a higher seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Pelicans, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to end their seven-game losing streak.

The takeaway

This game showcases the Magic's resilience and mental toughness, as they were able to overcome a significant second-half deficit to secure a crucial victory. It also highlights the Pelicans' struggles, as their late-game offensive collapse and star player's limited impact in the fourth quarter contributed to their downfall. The outcome has important implications for the Eastern Conference playoff race, with the Magic now within striking distance of a higher seed.