'The Future of the Game!' Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Praises Magic's Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic pulled out a much-needed 117-110 win against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, snapping a four-game losing streak.
Like most nights, the Magic was led by Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, who combined for 58 of the team's 117 points by shooting 19 of 34 from the field and 20 of 24 from the free throw line.
“They’re the future of the game — in the sense of where the game is trending," Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton said postgame. "Long wings that can really do everything. ... I mean they’re really really good, both those guys.”
Banchero and Wagner both rank in the top 50 in the NBA in scoring. That stat, coupled with the fact that Orlando currently sits fourth in the Eastern Conference, should warrant the Magic forwards some All-Star consideration.
The fact that Orlando is building around this pair and both players have accomplished so much in a small amount of time is a testament to how far this Magic team can go in the years to come.
Magic Beats Pacers, Ending Losing Streak
If they continue along this current trajectory, they truly may become the future of the NBA.
Banchero, Wagner and the Magic will be off for Christmas, but then they will return to action on Tuesday night when the team visits the Washington Wizards. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.