Short-handed Magic fall at Nuggets despite Banchero's triple-double

Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel on Dec 18, 2025

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Two seasons ago, the Magic traveled to Denver with only nine players available because of various injuries to key players.

At the time, it took a 32-point triple-double from Paolo Banchero and help from reserves off the bench in order for Orlando to pull off the unthinkable: Capture a 2-point win over MVP Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets.

Jamahl Mosley‘s squad found itself in a familiar spot Thursday night when it stepped on the court without Jalen Suggs (left hip bruise), Franz Wagner (left high ankle sprain), Tristan da Silva (right shoulder bruise), Jonathan Isaac (left hip bruise) and Moe Wagner (left knee injury recovery).

This time, however, Orlando was overwhelmed by the likes of Jokic (23 points), Jamal Murray (game-high 32) and Cam Johnson (19) as the Nuggets defeated the undermanned Magic, 126-115 ,at Ball Arena despite Banchero’s third-career triple-double (26 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists).

Although the Magic led by as many as 14 points in the first half, the Nuggets used a 35-7 run across the final six minutes of the second quarter to take control and never look back.

Denver improved to 14-5 this season when leading at the break. Jokic recorded his own triple-double, adding 11 rebounds and 13 assists.

Despite the Magic notching 23 points off 15 takeaways, the Nuggets (20-6) shot 44% (16 for 36) from beyond the arc, including seven triples from Murray.

The Magic (15-12) look to get healthier when they continue their four-game road trip Saturday at Utah.

Starting 5

Anthony Black and Tyus Jones joined Banchero, Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter Jr. in Orlando’s starting lineup against Denver.

Black, who shot 2 for 3 from beyond the arc in the first quarter, was the lone member of the Magic in double figures by halftime. After notching 14 points in the first half, he ended with 22 points and three turnovers.

Banchero played the entire second quarter and shot 1 for 6 from the floor in the frame, which led to him posting eight points in the first half. The Magic forward got going when he notched eight in the third and added 10 in the fourth. He recorded the 37th triple-double in franchise record.

Although Carter hit his first 3 of the evening, the Magic center found himself in foul trouble early, picking up his third foul with 3:46 left in the second quarter. That didn’t slow him down as he shot 6 for 7 from the floor in the third quarter, posting half his points (13) in the frame.

Carter was responsible for four of Orlando’s 11 made triples. Although he shot 4 for 7 from distance, the team overall shot 33% (11 for 33).

Second unit

After da Silva and Isaac were ruled out in the hours leading up to tipoff, Orlando was left with four reserves: Jett Howard, Goga Bitadze and rookies Jase Richardson and Noah Penda.

The Magic did their best to take advantage when Jokic went to the bench, and that included sharp shooting from Howard, who hit back-to-back 3s early in the second quarter. Howard’s second assist, an alley-oop lob to Black, brought Orlando within 6 points with 1:32 left in the game.

Bitadze had success on defense early with a steal-and-slam late in the opening frame and two blocks. He ended with six points in 19 minutes.

Rookie watch

Both Richardson and Penda checked into the game during the first frame due to the injuries in front of them on the depth chart.

Richardson showed flashes with a steal and slam in the second quarter and later hit a transition 3-pointer. The No. 25 pick ended with nine points, two assists and two turnovers in 19 minutes.

Penda scored his lone points of the night when he hit a catch-and-shoot 3 from the left wing off an assist from Richardson. The French forward added five rebounds in 12 minutes.