LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Paolo Banchero led a second-half fightback as the Orlando Magic overturned a 21-point deficit to upset the Philadelphia 76ers, 119-109, on Monday.
Rookie Banchero, the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, scored 29 points from 11-of-22 shooting with nine rebounds and three assists to give Orlando another notable scalp after last week’s defeat of league-leading Boston.
In other games around the National Basketball Association on Monday, Luka Doncic returned from injury with a 53-point bang as the Dallas Mavericks routed the Detroit Pistons, 111-105, while Stephen Curry dropped 38 points for Golden State as the Warriors downed the Oklahoma City Thunder, 128-120.
Banchero was backed with scoring support from German brothers Franz Wagner and Moritz Wagner, who combined for 41 points as Orlando silenced Philadelphia’s home crowd with a second-half scoring blitz.
Philadelphia, who dropped to third in the Eastern Conference standings after the loss, led by 21 points midway through the second quarter and appeared poised for a comfortable victory.
But Orlando erupted after the break with a 42-point third quarter to edge into the lead and then closed with a 19-8 run in the fourth to seal the victory.
Moritz Wagner finished with 22 points off the bench while younger brother Franz added 19.
Markelle Fultz had a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists while Wendell Carter Jr. also cracked double figures with 12 points.
Joel Embiid led the Sixers scoring with 30 points while James Harden and Tobias Harris had 17 points apiece.
“I’m so proud of these young men,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said.
