Coming into Game 3, the Orlando Magic knew what was at stake. Down 0-2 in the series and facing a must-win situation, the pressure was heavy — but so was the energy inside Amway Center. And when the lights were brightest, the Magic delivered a performance fueled by grit, heart, and pure willpower, defeating their opponent 104-97 to grab their first win of the series.
Right from the tip, it was clear: the Magic weren’t going to roll over.
They played with a level of urgency that had been missing in the first two games. Every loose ball was theirs. Every rebound was a fight they refused to lose. Every defensive possession was played like it could decide the season — because in many ways, it could.
Leading the charge was Paolo Banchero, who turned in a superstar-level performance. The young forward showed why the franchise has put so much faith in him, scoring 26 points while grabbing 9 rebounds and setting the tone with his physical play inside. Whether it was powering through double-teams or knocking down key mid-range shots, Banchero looked like a player determined to keep Orlando’s season alive.
“We talked about it as a team,” Banchero said after the game. “Protect home court. Protect each other. Leave everything out there.”
And they did.
Franz Wagner was sensational too, adding 21 points with a steady hand on offense and dogged determination on defense. His ability to attack closeouts, make the extra pass, and finish through contact gave Orlando the edge it needed. Meanwhile, Jalen Suggs played the role of emotional leader, diving for loose balls, hounding opposing guards, and hitting a huge corner three late in the fourth to seal the victory.
The Magic’s defense — shaky at times earlier in the series — returned to form in Game 3.
They packed the paint, challenged every shot, and made life miserable for their opponent’s scorers. The Magic held their foes to just 40% shooting from the floor and forced 15 turnovers, turning defense into offense with several critical transition buckets.
The Amway Center was electric from start to finish. Every block, every steal, every run was met with deafening roars. You could feel the urgency from the fans, matching the intensity on the floor.
Midway through the third quarter, the Magic made their big move.
Down by three, they ripped off a 15-4 run fueled by back-to-back threes from Wagner and a powerful Banchero slam that brought the house down. From there, they never trailed again.
Still, the game wasn’t without its tense moments.
Late in the fourth, the opponent cut the lead to five, and for a moment, it looked like nerves might creep in. But that’s when the Magic showed how much they’ve grown. Instead of folding, they responded with a clutch basket from Wendell Carter Jr., followed by a timely steal and a dagger three from Suggs to put the game out of reach.
“This is who we are,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said postgame. “Tough, together, relentless. And we’re not done yet.”
The win wasn’t just about staying alive in the series — it was about belief.
Belief that they could bounce back.
Belief that they belonged on this stage.
Belief that their season wouldn’t end without a fight.
Now, the Magic head into Game 4 with a chance to tie the series and shift all the pressure back onto their opponents. They’ll need another performance just like this one — full of fire, focus, and ferocity.
But for now, one thing is certain:
The Orlando Magic weren’t about to let their season slip away — not on their home floor.
