Magic rally in final quarter to beat Wizards 116-109

Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) goes to the basket... — Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) goes to the basket as Washington Wizards center Daniel Gafford (21) watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 31, 2023, in Washington. Credit: AP/Nick Wass

By The Associated PressMarch 31, 2023

WASHINGTON — Paolo Banchero had 30 points and 12 rebounds, Markelle Fultz added 25 points and the Orlando Magic overcame a 16-point second half deficit to beat the Washington Wizards 116-109 on Friday night.

The Wizards managed only 13 points in the final quarter and fell to three games behind Chicago for the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference with five games remaining. Orlando remained four games behind the Bulls, who routed Charlotte 121-91.

Washington was without its top three players — Bradley Beal (left knee), Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Kyle Kuzma (right ankle).

Corey Kispert scored a career-high 27 points for Washington but did not manage a shot attempt in the fourth until the final minute. He made nine of the Wizards' 17 3-pointers.

Washington scored the first 13 points of the third quarter and led 76-60. The Magic cut the lead to three later in the quarter but the Wizards were up 96-85 entering the fourth.

In that final period, however, Orlando shut Washington down. The Wizards went 1 of 11 from long distance in the fourth and 5 of 23 from the field.

The Magic finally took a 105-103 lead on a 3-pointer by Cole Anthony. That was part of a 13-2 run that put Orlando up by eight.

Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) shoots against Orlando Magic... — Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) shoots against Orlando Magic guard Caleb Houstan (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 31, 2023, in Washington. Credit: AP/Nick Wass

Anthony scored seven of his 16 points in the fourth.

TIP-INS

Magic: Kevon Harris (left elbow) did not play. ... Fultz went 11 of 15 from the field. ... Franz Wagner had 20 points.

Wizards: Kispert's previous career high was 26 points. ... Delon Wright had 21 points and nine rebounds, and Daniel Gafford contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds.