NBA Roundup: Magic's Record 3-Point Barrage Sinks Kings in Historic Rout
The Orlando Magic unleashed a historic offensive onslaught on Thursday night, demolishing the Sacramento Kings 131-94 in a game that saw them set a new franchise record for three-pointers made. Paolo Banchero spearheaded the charge with a stellar 30-point performance, contributing five of the team's 27 triples.
Kings' Franchise-Worst Losing Streak Hits 15 Games
According to an Associated Press report, this defeat marked a franchise-record 15th consecutive loss for the Sacramento Kings, surpassing their previous streaks of 14 games set during their tenure as the Cincinnati Royals in the 1959-60 and 1971-72 seasons. The Kings' struggles were exacerbated by the absence of key stars Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, both of whom underwent season-ending surgeries just a day before the game.
With this loss, Sacramento now holds a league-worst record of 12-45, though the NBA record for consecutive losses remains at 28. Orlando's perimeter shooting was nothing short of relentless, breaking their previous franchise mark of 25 three-pointers set back in 2004. The Magic connected on 27 of their 50 attempts from beyond the arc, showcasing an offensive clinic that left the Kings reeling.
Supporting Cast Shines as Magic Solidify Eastern Conference Standing
Banchero's effort was complemented by strong performances from his teammates. Anthony Black tallied 20 points, while Desmond Bane and Jett Howard added 17 and 16 points, respectively. This collective effort helped the 29-25 Magic solidify their position in the competitive Eastern Conference.
Sacramento briefly showed signs of life in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to just two points. However, the Magic responded with a devastating 19-3 run to close the period, effectively sealing the game. Tristan da Silva then put the final nail in the coffin early in the fourth quarter with three consecutive long-range shots. Maxime Raynaud led the struggling Kings with 17 points in the loss.
Other NBA Action: Clippers Edge Nuggets, Celtics Top Warriors
In other NBA matchups, the Los Angeles Clippers secured a narrow 115-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets, thanks to a explosive 38-point home debut from Bennedict Mathurin. The game came down to a tense final second when Jamal Murray was fouled on a three-point attempt. After making the first two free throws, Murray missed the third, allowing the Clippers to escape with the win. Kawhi Leonard contributed 23 points for Los Angeles, extending his streak of 20-point games to 34, while Nikola Jokic led Denver with 22 points and 17 rebounds.
The Boston Celtics continued their strong form with a 121-110 victory over the Golden State Warriors, led by Jaylen Brown's dominant triple-double of 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 13 assists. This marked Brown's third triple-double of the season. Payton Pritchard scored 26 points and Sam Hauser added 16 as Boston won for the seventh time in its last eight games. The Celtics also spoiled the Warriors debut of former Boston big man Kristaps Porzingis, who finished with 12 points.
Golden State played without injured star Stephen Curry, with De'Anthony Melton pacing the team with 18 points. Will Richard and Gui Santos chipped in 17 points each in the losing effort.
Additional Results from Around the League
Elsewhere in the NBA, the Houston Rockets leaned on veteran Kevin Durant, who scored 35 points including two clutch free throws in the closing seconds to beat the Charlotte Hornets 105-101. Despite an 11-point deficit in the first half and a 20-point performance from Charlotte's Grant Williams, Houston managed to hold on for the win.
According to the Associated Press, other results included the Cleveland Cavaliers routing the Brooklyn Nets 112-84, Atlanta winning 117-107 at Philadelphia, Detroit beating New York 126-111, Toronto topping Chicago 110-101, and the San Antonio Spurs defeating the Phoenix Suns 121-94.
