ATLANTA — When the Magic and Hawks met in the second-to-last game before the NBA All-Star break, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner combined for 68 points in a six-point loss at Kia Center.

Thursday night at State Farm Arena, however, the Magic took advantage of the scoring spree from their star duo in their first game coming out of the league.

Banchero (36 points) and Wagner (25) combined for 61 when the Magic overcame a 19-point deficit in the 114-108 road victory.

This time was different from the first meeting because they had help elsewhere.

Cole Anthony, who started in place again for the injured Jalen Suggs (left thigh contusion), totaled 17 points, including nine in the fourth quarter.

The result is significant because the No. 7 Magic entered with just a half-game lead on No. 8 Atlanta (26-30) and No. 9 Miami.

But replicating it won’t be easy.

The Magic (28-29), who haven’t won consecutive games since before Christmas, have a quick turnaround when it hosts the Grizzlies at Kia Center on Friday night.

Starting lineup change

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley re-inserted Wendell Carter Jr. alongside Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Banchero and Wagner.

Although Carter made his 27th start, it was his first since Jan. 27. Goga Bitadze had taken over Carter’s starting spot.

Carter was active around the rim as he totaled nine points with 15 rebounds in 32 minutes.

Second-quarter surge

After Atlanta jumped out to a 24-9 lead and held Orlando to 23.5% shooting in the first quarter, the Magic relied on Banchero to turn things around before the break.

Banchero scored on all three levels when he attacked the basket, pulled up from the midrange and hit the first 3-pointer.

That and five free throws led to 18 points in the second quarter for Banchero, who had 20 at halftime.

Backed by Banchero’s aggression, the Magic shot 15 of 21 (71.4%) to outscore the Hawks 38-25 in the second frame.

The Magic went from trailing by 19 to leading by 1 at intermission.

Difference from distance

Despite Banchero’s first triple near the end of the second quarter, the Magic still shot 1 for 10 in the first half.

Meanwhile, the Hawks were more efficient with five makes on 13 attempts (38.5%) before the break.

Orlando finished 6 of 25 (24%) on 3s with Banchero accounting for half their makes.

In comparison, Atlanta shot 11 of 35 on 3s (31.4%) with Trae Young and No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher each making three.

Free points a struggle

Neither the Magic nor the Hawks are strong at shooting free throws.

Orlando entered 26th in the league shooting 76.4% while Atlanta (77.2%) was only three spots better.

The Magic shot 26 of 38 and the Hawks went 19 of 28.

Rookie watch

Tristan Da Silva had a mostly quiet night in just 18 minutes.

His lone basket, a 3-pointer with 10 seconds left in the third quarter, gave Orlando a nine-point lead entering the fourth. He added an assist.

For Atlanta, Risacher notched a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds in 24 minutes.

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