Franz Wagner describes the substitution as Paolo Banchero returns in the win over Heat

Paolo Buncher’s return from a 10-game absence gave the Orlando Magic the boost they neededbut it was Franz Wagner who came up big in a 106-105 win over the Miami Heat on Friday night. After the win, Wagner explained how the Magic have adjusted to having their All-Star forward back in the lineup and the gradual change that comes with reintegrating the primary offensive presence.

Wagner had a breakout performance, finishing with a game-high 32 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal on 12-for-22 shooting, including 4-for-9 from three, in 34 minutes. He said Buncher’s return required an early adjustment to his rhythm but praised the way the 23-year-old handled himself first game action from November 12.

“I thought he played great. Obviously, 10 games out, it takes a little bit to find your groove, but I liked the way he played, you know, in our offense and just played defensively,” Wagner said. “I think it always takes a few minutes in games to get back into the swing of things so excited to see it.

Franz Wagner says the Magic kept the flow going as they eased up Paolo Banchero back in the lineup

Banchero, who missed time with a strained left groin suffered against the New York Knicks, had nine points, six rebounds and two assists while shooting 3-for-8 from the field in 20 minutes. His scoring was limited, but his movement, defensive activity and offensive comfort stood out to Wagner and the coaching staff.

Wagner explained that the Magic aimed to maintain the identity they had developed during Buncher’s absence, emphasizing flow and determination.

“I think we did a good job with it today,” Wagner said. “I think we’re going to figure out how we want to play as a unit and I think if everybody’s committed to that, I think the ball will find who it needs to find, and obviously that’s going to be Paolo a lot of times. So I think we just keep doing what we’ve been doing, keep communicating and as Paolo gets a few more great games as we think his team will be under control, I think Paolo will be as well.

Jamahl Mosley emphasizes patience as Magic adjusts to Buncher’s return against Heat

Head coach Jamahl Mosley echoed that perspectivecrediting Buncher for finding ways to contribute despite limited minutes.

“Honestly, I thought he was great because he was just trying to find a rhythm, trying to find a way to stay in the flow of the game, making a simple play, making it easier to read,” Mosley said. “Defensive movement and sliding feet. I think those are going to be key pieces because he keeps coming back. He just let the game come to him and just broke through. I thought he was great for that.”

Mosley acknowledged that a full adjustment will take time, especially against a defensive unit like Miami.

“Well, it’s going to take a while,” he said. “There’s going to be a flow that you have to try to connect with, but I think they did a really good job of finding different sets, different reads. Miami is a tough team — how they guard, how they defend, they put you in different relationships, so I think our guys did a great job adjusting to that, no matter who was on the floor.”

With the win, Orlando improved to 14–9 and moved into the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. The Magic will travel to New York to face the Knicks (15-7) at noon Sunday before returning home Tuesday for a rematch with the Heat in the NBA Cup quarterfinals at 6pm ET on Prime Video.