Overview
- Orlando improved to 31–26 and sits a half‑game behind the 76ers, opening a four‑game homestand Thursday against the Rockets.
- Banchero added 10 rebounds and six assists and, on consecutive nights in Los Angeles, took primary defensive turns against Kawhi Leonard and Luka Dončić.
- Dončić finished with 22 points on 8‑for‑24 shooting and 2‑for‑10 from three as Orlando mixed coverages to limit his efficiency.
- Coach Jamahl Mosley credited Banchero’s downhill aggression and 11 free throws, highlighting a late drive‑and‑kick that set up a key Desmond Bane three.
- The 23‑year‑old logged his 14th career 35‑plus game (third in team history) and his third 35/10/5 outing (tying Shaquille O’Neal), while injuries to Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs have increased his two‑way workload.