Orlando Magic Overcomes Second Half Woes In Win vs. Chicago Bulls

A game-winning shot from Paolo Banchero saved the Orlando Magic from blowing another second-half lead against the Chicago Bulls.

Few teams start games better than the Orlando Magic. 

Orlando has led at halftime in all but one of its games this season. Unfortunately for the Magic, that same success it has in the first half seemingly disappears in the second half of games. 

It nearly cost Orlando (6-5) again, as it led the Chicago Bulls (4-8) by 18 points at halftime before having to go tooth-and-nail in the game's final moments, but a game-winning basket from Paolo Banchero in the final seconds sealed a 96-94 win at the United Center on Wednesday. 

Orlando Magic PF Paolo Banchero: 'We're Able to Compete With Anybody'

"We get into playing slow and methodical," Magic guard Cole Anthony said. "We get a little lead and we're thinking alright, we've got to slow it down, not make sure we get a shot every time when the reality of the situation is that's not what got us there. Us slowing the ball down trying to run some slow offense is not what got us that lead. It was our defense then getting out and running... We can't get lackadaisical just because we've got a little bit of a lead."

Anthony was Orlando's second-leading scorer with 16 points. Banchero led the team with 17 points and he had nine rebounds along with three assists. 

Cole Anthony driving toward the basket / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Magic was outscored by the Bulls 61-45 in the second half and the game was tied 94-94 after Zach Lavine made a game-tying 3-pointer with seven seconds left in the game. After Orlando took a timeout, Banchero made the game-winning shot with one second left in the game. 

"A lot of maturity," Anthony said of where Banchero has improved. "He had a great summer and came back an even better player which is impressive because he already had a great rookie year. He works extremely hard and he's become a better defender this year, a better passer, a better scorer, [and] a better shooter, he's improved his game in every aspect and it's impressive to see his journey."

Orlando and Chicago will square off again on Friday at the United Center at 7 p.m. ET. This time, it'll count toward the In-season Tournament. The Magic is 0-1 in the In-Season Tournament after they lost to the Brooklyn Nets 124-104 on Tuesday at the Barclays Center.