Eltab
Lord of the Hidden Layer
I worked my Paladin the other way: if we were at range, I'd lead with a spell.Though to be honest, my 7th level oath of the ancients paladin has cast less than 5 spells his entire run besides find steed and some smite spells if he's got a bonus action (rare with polearm master). Divine Smite consumes the great majority of his slots.
Try using _Moonbeam_ in a confined space, especially if Team Monster is all-melee. The beam (plus me) blocked a 15' wide tunnel and protected my companions from taking ANY damage.