The Orlando Magic have endured a season filled with ups and downs, often struggling to close out games. That issue surfaced again on Thursday NBA night when they faced the Golden State Warriors, who mounted an epic comeback behind a masterclass from Stephen Curry. Despite Paolo Banchero’s impressive performance, it wasn’t enough to hold off the Warriors’ surge. After the game, Banchero reflected on the loss and praised Curry’s brilliance.
Banchero finished with 41 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals, but Orlando couldn’t withstand Golden State’s third-quarter explosion. Curry torched the Magic with a season-high 56 points, including 22 in the third quarter, as the Warriors erased a 66-52 halftime deficit.
“I think third quarters have been tough for us the last few games,” Banchero said postgame. “We’ve let teams get back into the game—going back to the Memphis game, they came back in the third quarter. I think it’s just us not being able to withstand the runs. When a team goes on a run, you have to either lock in and get stops or execute on the offensive end and get good looks. I don’t think we did either in the third quarter, and they came storming back.”
Banchero also acknowledged that facing a player of Curry’s caliber is a different challenge altogether. “When you let a player like [Stephen Curry] get going, it’s really hard to come back.” The Warriors ultimately secured a 121-115 victory at the Kia Center, dropping Orlando to 29-32 on the season. Despite the loss, the Magic remain in contention for a playoff spot.
Curry’s dominance fuels Warriors’ comeback
Curry’s 56-point eruption featured 12-of-19 shooting from beyond the arc and a perfect 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. The Warriors outscored Orlando 40-21 in the third quarter, flipping a 14-point deficit into a five-point lead heading into the final period. Golden State shot 61.9% from the field and 72.7% from three in the quarter, burying eight triples during the stretch.
Banchero takes accountability for the loss
The Magic have now lost three of their last four NBA games during their seven-game homestand, including a heartbreaking one-point loss to the Memphis Grizzlies due to a late-game timeout miscue and a brutal 40-point defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday.
Banchero’s 41-point outing marked his second 40-point game of the season, making him just the third player in Magic history—alongside Tracy McGrady and Shaquille O’Neal—to record multiple 40-point games in consecutive seasons. Despite his strong individual performance, Banchero took responsibility for the team’s struggles.
“I mean, I feel that responsibility every night—to come out, set the tone, be aggressive, and just play my game,” Banchero said. “But I think I could’ve had a better second half. I could’ve done some other things better, but yeah, would’ve liked to just get the win.”