Orlando Manhandles Sacramento to Boost NBA Playoff Bid

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Orlando Magic handed the Sacramento Kings a harsh reality check after obliterating them by 30 points, 121-91, in the ongoing NBA regular season on March 30, 2025.

With the win, Orlando just improved to a 36-39 NBA win-loss record and is currently sitting in the seventh spot of the Eastern Conference.

The Magic immediately demolished Sacramento in the first 12 minutes of the ball game with a commanding 17-point lead, 38-21.

Orlando shot the lights out from the three-point territory and capitalized on Sacramento’s costly turnovers that were converted into fast break opportunities.

Although the Kings received timely buckets from DeMar DeRozan in the second frame that helped them gain some momentum, Orlando sucked the life out of the visiting Western Conference team after outscoring them by 17 points in the third, 37-20, that established the biggest lead of the ball game at 35 points.

Orlando’s interior defense slowed down Sacramento’s scoring as they limited DeRozan’s perimeter jumper attempts while clamping Domantas Sabonis in the left block.

By taking away Sacramento’s efficient offense that helped them win the second canto, the Magic now took full control of the tempo and forced the Kings to wave the white flag early in the fourth

Orlando out-assisted Sacramento and displayed their chemistry with 31 assists while also out-rebounding them, 49-41.

However, it was in the three-point department where the Magic stood out as they swished 18 out of their 39 total attempts compared to Sacramento’s inefficient 7/28 shooting from downtown.

Paolo Banchero continued his heroics for Orlando after wrapping up the win with an all-around outing of 24 points, six rebounds, six assists, and a steal, while Franz Wagner added 21 markers and three dimes.

Caleb Houstan, Orlando’s uprising guard who is playing big time in the absence of Cole Anthony, chipped in 18 points built from an impressive 6/7 shooting from the rainbow country.

On the other hand, the Kings received another 20-point game from DeRozan, but needed more reinforcement as Zach Lavine only converted three out of his eight attempts from the field while sharpshooter Keegan Murray struggled with his stroke to end the loss with just nine points.

Orlando will resume their push to avoid NBA Play-In and secure the sixth spot or higher on April 1, 2025, against the Los Angeles Clippers.