Short-handed Magic overpowered by Wizards, remain winless at home

Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel on Nov 2, 2026

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ORLANDO, Fla. — Facing the Wizards in the second game of a back-to-back after falling to the Celtics at home 24 hours earlier, the Magic believed they would be able to correct their mistakes from Sunday’s contest during Monday’s matchup.

Orlando, however, fell short of making proper adjustments and fell to Washington, 103-94, inside Kia Center.

In a game that featured 11 lead changes between the Southeast Division opponents, Washington’s Anthony Davis (27 points), Kyshawn George (22) and No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa (21) combined for 70 points in the nine-point victory.

Although Franz Wagner (24 points) and Desmond Bane (20) totaled 40 points, only two other members of the Magic scored in double figures (Jamal Cain and Tristan da Silva, who both scored 10 points apiece).

Without Paolo Banchero (right high ankle sprain), Jalen Suggs (right knee bone bruise), Anthony Black (right ankle injury management) and Noah Penda (partially torn right hamstring), the Magic fell to 0-4 at home and 0-4 when scoring fewer than 100 points.

Neither the Wizards (4-3) nor the Magic took care of the basketball. Orlando shot 28% from distance and committed 18 turnovers while Washington ended 38% from 3-point range with 16 turnovers.

After a quick back-to-back at Kia Center, the Magic (2-5) head back on the road later this week when they open a four-game West Coast trip Thursday at Phoenix.

Starting five

Without Banchero, Suggs, and Black, Sweeney turned to Jase Richardson and Cain to start alongside regulars Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. against Washington.

In his third-career NBA start, Cain hit his first 3-pointer and opened 2 for 3 from the corners of the court in the first quarter. Cain committed four turnovers, however, and didn’t attempt another triple the rest of the night.

Richardson’s night was highlighted by a reverse dunk in transition less than a minute into the second quarter. He converted an and-one layup about a minute later, but missed all four of his 3-point attempts for just seven points in 25 minutes.

Wagner, who had a 5-for-20 showing on Sunday against Boston, got off to a more efficient start when he shot 6 for 9 for 13 points in the first half. He picked up his third foul at the 3:46 mark of the third quarter.

Bane sunk four 3-pointers but he also committed four turnovers, including two in the first quarter. Carter Jr. grabbed nine rebounds but only scored six points in 34 minutes.

Third-quarter swing

The Magic trailed the Wizards by one point, 60-59, at the end of the first half.

Orlando’s deficit, however, grew to 11 points, 79-68, by the start of the fourth quarter.

As the Wizards held the Magic to 4-for-21 shooting in the third quarter, they outscored them 19-9 across the 12-minute frame out of the break. The Magic didn’t score in the final 4:51 of the third.

Two-way help

Short on depth, Magic two-way forward Alex Morales entered the game 5:22 mark of the 1st quarter and quickly converted a driving floater.

In his eighth-career NBA appearance, he picked up two fouls in the first quarter. Morales only recorded three points and two rebounds in 14 minutes.

Magic support troops

In partnership with L3Harris Technologies, the Magic hosted ‘Seats for Soldiers Night’ for the 23rd consecutive season on Monday.

The team provided game tickets for more than 2,500 active and retired military personnel and their families courtesy of the Magic, L3Harris and season ticket holders who donated their seats for the occasion.

For any ticket purchased to the game, $5 was donated to ‘Homes for Our Troops,’ a program that helps provide specially adapted custom homes for severely-injured post-9/11 veterans.

In addition, L3Harris and Wendell Carter Jr. also hosted organizations in Kia Center suites. Carter specifically hosted military veterans from the Orlando Veterans Affairs and treated them to a meal and special team gear.

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