Paolo Banchero's 3-pointer at the buzzer lifts Magic over Nets, 104-103

Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel on Jan 7, 2026

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Speaking prior to tipoff, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley shared two things he wanted to see from his team when it took to the court against the Nets inside Barclays Center on Wednesday night less than 24 hours after falling to the Wizards in the nation’s capital.

Mosley challenged his team to take care of the basketball and play with better energy and effort from the jump — two key factors that led to Orlando‘s demise at Washington.

The Magic not only failed to take care of the ball — turning it over 18 times — but nearly lost the game as Brooklyn, which trailed by as many as 18 points, outscored Orlando 29-14 in the fourth quarter to force overtime.

With Brooklyn leading by two points with 2.1 seconds left in the extra period, Paolo Banchero (30 points) hit a 3-pointer to lift Orlando over the Nets, 104-103, as time expired.

Michael Porter Jr. led the way for the Nets (11-23) with a game-high 34 points, while rookie Egor Demin scored 10 of his 18 points in overtime, hitting clutch shot after clutch shot.

But Banchero got the last laugh, converting the fifth buzzer-beating 3-pointer in Magic history.

The Magic (21-17) return home when they host the Sixers on Friday at Kia Center.

Banchero up-and-down

Banchero appeared to be a step behind in the first quarter, shooting 2 for 5 from the floor and accounting for three of Orlando’s first six turnovers.

Banchero notched eight points in the second quarter and added nine in the third. He scored 30-plus points for the third time this season and recorded his team-leading 11th double-double, hauling in 14 rebounds.

He shot 7 for 8 at free-throw line and committed nine turnovers. But it was his last bucket that counted the most.

Rest of starters

While it took a moment for Banchero to get going on offense, Tristan da Silva wasted no time to make his mark on the contest.

The second-year pro made his first four shots and notched nine points in the opening frame, including the team’s first 3-pointer. Da Silva cooled off, scoring five more points the rest of the game.

Wendell Carter Jr. was active on both ends of the floor, racking up 20 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block in 39 minutes.

Rookie watch

Playing on his 21st birthday, Magic forward Noah Penda hit back-to-back 3s early in the second quarter after he missed his first five shots from the floor.

The second-round pick recorded a double-double by way of 13 points and 11 rebounds in 31 minutes, playing crucial time down the stretch.

No. 25 pick Jase Richardson was considered questionable to enter the game late in the first quarter due to a sore left ankle after scoring a career-high 20 points in 26 minutes on Tuesday night at Washington. Richardson never entered the game.