Paolo Banchero helps Magic win 94-92 over Kings, scoring 23 points

The Orlando Magic defeated the Sacramento Kings by 18 points with less than five minutes remaining in regulation of their NBA Summer League game on Saturday. The Magic’s No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero contributed 23 points to the victory after playing over 35 minutes.

In addition to his 23 points, Banchero had six rebounds, six assists, four steals, a 360-degree dunk, a game-saving block, and the game-winning pass to Emanuel Terry in sudden-death double overtime for the 94-92 triumph.

The Magic’s summer coach Jesse Mermuys expressed his joy upon watching the game. "That's a game I'll probably never, ever forget," he said.

How game unfolds

Sacramento led 92-89 after Keon Ellis hit a 3-pointer with 22 seconds remaining in the first 2-minute overtime. With 6.2 seconds on the clock, the Kings fouled Devin Cannady, who dribbled all three free shots to tie the game.

With a second remaining in overtime, Ellis missed a short shot, and Cannady almost won the game with a 60-foot heave that rebounded off the rim. This resulted in the second overtime, sudden death, and first score wins.

"This was one of the most fun games I've ever been a part of," Cannady said after the game. "I've played in the NCAA tournament, obviously I've played in NBA games, but this was basketball at its purest."

According to ABC News, during sudden-death double OT, Banchero was called for a foul on Sacramento's first possession. The Kings would have gone to the line to shoot free throws that way.

However, following a thorough review, the decision was reversed. Orlando received the ball, Banchero found Terry down low, and the Magic scored.

In the post-game interview, Banchero said he was “happy” to receive the ball back. "I thought I got the ball clean so I was upset, but obviously they reviewed it and overturned it, so I was happy to get the ball back with the game on the line," Banchero said.

"I'm glad it didn't end on free throws, especially a game like that, and we were able to play it out."

Game like none other

Moreover, for Banchero, the game against the Kings was nothing like he ever played before. "I've never played in a game with an ending like that, he said. “Six points in six seconds, that was crazy and I'm glad I got to experience it and come out with the win."

Sacramento also had Neemias Queta who scored 23 points. Keegan Murray, the fourth overall pick, scored 20 points and collected nine rebounds. In the closing moments of regulation, Queta sank the first 3-pointer to provide Sacramento a chance, and Murray nailed the game-tying shot with two-tenths of a second left.

The Kings finished regulation on a 23-5 run, with the final six points coming in the final 5.1 seconds on a pair of 3-pointers to force overtime.

The Magic will meet the Oklahoma City Thunder and No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren on Monday night. The game is set to begin at 9 p.m. The Kings, on the other hand, will take against Bennedict Mathurin and the Indiana Pacers on Sunday at 3 p.m.