The Orlando Magic went into Memphis and came away with a 122-118 road win over the Grizzlies, closing out a fast, physical early-October contest at FedExForum with a composed fourth quarter. Orlando led by as many as 14 in the third period, watched Memphis claw all the way back to within a single possession in the final two minutes, then iced the game at the free-throw line to hand the Grizzlies their first home defeat of the preseason slate.

Paolo Banchero finished with a game-high 31 points to go with nine rebounds and six assists, while Desmond Bane added 24 points against his former team. For Memphis, Ja Morant posted 28 points and 11 assists in a losing effort, with Jaren Jackson Jr. chipping in 21 points and four blocked shots.

Match Overview

• Final score: Orlando Magic 122, Memphis Grizzlies 118
• Venue: FedExForum, Memphis
• Date: October 8, 2026
• Leading scorer: Paolo Banchero (Orlando) – 31 points
• Assist leader: Ja Morant (Memphis) – 11 assists

Tactical Story: Orlando's Size vs. Memphis's Pace

The game set up as a classic styles clash. Memphis wanted to run, pushing the ball off every defensive rebound and letting Morant attack in transition before Orlando's half-court defense could set. Orlando wanted the opposite — a slower, half-court game built around Banchero and Franz Wagner operating out of the post and elbow, with shooters spaced along the arc.

For two quarters, the Grizzlies dictated terms. Memphis scored 21 fast-break points in the first half and used a smaller lineup with Santi Aldama at center to drag Orlando's bigs away from the rim, opening driving lanes for Morant and Scotty Pippen Jr. The Grizzlies shot 15-of-29 from three-point range across the first three quarters and took a one-point lead into halftime at 60-58.

The third quarter flipped the game. Orlando opened the period on a 16-4 run, hammering the offensive glass and forcing Memphis into a half-court slog. Wagner scored nine points in the quarter, and the Magic's bench unit — anchored by Jonathan Isaac's rim protection and Goga Bitadze's interior scoring — stretched the lead to 92-87 heading into the fourth. Memphis never fully recovered from those five minutes.

Key Moments

• End of Q1: Bane beat the buzzer with a step-back three from the left wing, capping a 32-point Orlando opening quarter.
• Midway through Q3: A 16-4 Magic run turned a 63-62 deficit into a 78-67 lead, the largest margin of the night.
• Final 1:40: Morant's driving layup cut the lead to 117-115, but Banchero answered with a mid-range jumper and then hit two free throws to seal it.
• Final possession: Memphis missed a contested three to tie, and Bane iced the result with a pair from the line.

Standout Performers

Paolo Banchero (Orlando): 31 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists. Banchero was the game's most reliable shot-maker, scoring 12 of his points in the fourth quarter and repeatedly drawing help defense that freed up Orlando's shooters.

Desmond Bane (Orlando): 24 points, 5 three-pointers. Facing the franchise that drafted him, Bane was efficient and unbothered, hitting three of his five triples in the second half.

Ja Morant (Memphis): 28 points, 11 assists. Morant was brilliant in transition but finished 8-of-21 from the field as Orlando walled off the paint late.

Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis): 21 points, 4 blocks. Jackson's defensive presence kept the Grizzlies within striking distance, though foul trouble limited him to 29 minutes.

Zach Edey (Memphis): 14 points, 12 rebounds. The big man's work on the offensive glass gave Memphis 17 second-chance points.

What It Means

Preseason results rarely carry much weight, but the shape of this one matters for both coaching staffs. Orlando got exactly what it wanted from its starting five: control of the paint, a plus-9 rebounding edge, and a fourth quarter in which Banchero closed instead of deferring. The Magic's defensive identity — long, switchable, and willing to sacrifice pace for physicality — traveled well against one of the league's fastest teams.

For Memphis, the loss highlighted a familiar question. The Grizzlies were excellent in transition and generated plenty of open looks, but when