Magic 112, Pelicans 108: Orlando Finishes Strong in New Orleans

The Orlando Magic defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 112-108 on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Smoothie King Center, using a strong fourth quarter to finish the road win. Desmond Bane led Orlando with 27 points, while Paolo Banchero added a complete all-around performance in a game that turned late.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter

Orlando opened with a narrow 29-28 edge after 12 minutes, setting the tone for a competitive night. The Magic were slightly sharper early in half-court offense, while New Orleans stayed close behind efficient work at the foul line and steady interior production.

Second Quarter

The Pelicans responded in the second and outscored Orlando 32-23 to take a 60-52 lead into halftime. New Orleans found better rhythm offensively during this stretch, with Saddiq Bey carrying much of the scoring load and the Pelicans doing enough to briefly control the game.

Third Quarter

Orlando started to chip away in the third quarter, winning the period 29-28. That single-point gain did not erase the halftime deficit, but it kept the Magic within striking distance entering the final 12 minutes, trailing 88-81.

Fourth Quarter

The game flipped in the fourth. Orlando outscored New Orleans 31-20 in the closing period, tightening up defensively and creating enough extra possessions to pull ahead. The Magic’s rebounding and ball movement were especially important late, and they held off the Pelicans over the final possessions to complete the comeback.

Key Performers

Orlando Magic
Desmond Bane led the Magic with 27 points. Paolo Banchero delivered 23 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists in one of the most complete performances of the night. Jalen Suggs added 8 assists as Orlando finished with 27 team assists and controlled the glass, 57-47.

New Orleans Pelicans
Saddiq Bey led all scorers with 32 points for New Orleans. Yves Missi posted 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks, giving the Pelicans a major interior presence. Jeremiah Fears led New Orleans with 7 assists, but the Pelicans finished with just 18 team assists and could not match Orlando’s late execution.

NerdSports Stat: Orlando won this game despite shooting just 21.2% from three-point range, because the Magic made up the gap with a 10-rebound advantage, 9 more assists, and 9 extra field-goal attempts.

Game Analysis

This was a strong example of how Orlando can win even without a productive night from long range. The Magic made only 7 of 33 from beyond the arc, but they still reached 112 points by generating volume through rebounding, passing, and second-chance opportunities. Their 57 rebounds and 40 made field goals helped offset a difficult perimeter shooting night.

For New Orleans, the main issue was the fourth quarter. After building a halftime lead and still holding an advantage entering the final period, the Pelicans managed only 20 points in the last 12 minutes. They also shot 41.7% overall and 32.3% from three, numbers that left little margin once Orlando increased the pressure late.

The free-throw totals were nearly even in volume, with both teams attempting 36, but Orlando’s ability to keep possessions alive proved more decisive. Banchero’s 16 rebounds stood out, and Suggs helped organize the offense as the Magic gradually took control in the final stretch.

Closing Context

The win moved Orlando to 42-36, an important result as the Magic continued to strengthen their position in the Eastern Conference race. New Orleans dropped to 25-54 with the loss. While this was the second and final meeting implied by the schedule context available here, the bigger takeaway was Orlando’s composure on the road and its ability to finish a close game late in the season.

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