Orlando’s regular starting group sets the pace
Paolo Banchero scored 24 points and Franz Wagner added 20 as the Orlando Magic defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 132–116 at Kia Center on Tuesday, October 13. The game finished on October 14 in the Philippines.
Orlando led from start to finish and stretched its advantage to as many as 31 points. The result reversed the direction of the teams’ previous meeting, when Cleveland beat the Magic by 14 on Sunday.
Jalen Suggs returned to the starting lineup, while Desmond Bane was back after a scheduled night off. They joined Wagner, Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. in Orlando’s regular starting five for the first time this preseason, according to Jason Beede’s game report.
Banchero made 10 of 13 shots from the field, including two of three from beyond the arc, and both of his free throws. Wagner finished seven of 10 from the field. Their efficiency gave Orlando 44 points from its two starting forwards without needing a high volume of missed attempts.
The Magic made 16 of 44 three-point attempts compared with Cleveland’s 11 of 35. That five-basket difference supplied 15 more points from three-point range, although it was only one part of the overall scoring gap.
The game offered Orlando a useful look at its preferred starting combination working together. With the regular season still ahead, the stronger execution and restored lineup were more meaningful indicators than the exhibition win alone.