Franz Wagner Drains a Clutch 3, Magic Capitalize on Davis’ Miscues for a 119-118 Win Over Lakers
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Franz Wagner’s go-ahead 3-pointer with just 2.5 seconds remaining sealed a thrilling 119-118 victory for the Orlando Magic over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. The Magic overcame the absence of three starters and a grueling schedule to snap the Lakers’ six-game winning streak in dramatic fashion.
The pivotal moment came after Lakers forward Anthony Davis missed two free throws with 19 seconds left, followed by an 18-foot jumper at the buzzer that fell short. Despite Davis’ 39 points and nine rebounds, his late-game struggles proved costly for Los Angeles.
Wagner was sensational, scoring 15 of his 37 points in the fourth quarter alone and finishing with 11 assists to propel the Magic to their seventh win in eight games. Orlando’s resilience shone through, particularly with Jalen Suggs contributing 23 points and Moritz Wagner, Franz’s brother, adding a season-high 19.
LeBron James showcased his trademark brilliance with 14 of his 31 points coming in the final period. However, even with James and Davis leading a late surge, Los Angeles couldn’t hold off a determined Magic squad. The Lakers suffered their first home loss in eight games, leaving fans stunned at the final buzzer.
Shorthanded Magic Deliver Statement Win
The Magic entered the contest without key starters Wendell Carter Jr. (plantar fasciitis), Paolo Banchero (oblique), and Markelle Fultz. Despite these setbacks and playing their third game in four nights, Orlando’s youthful roster displayed remarkable composure. Franz Wagner’s clutch shooting and Jalen Suggs’ relentless energy highlighted a mature and cohesive performance from a team emerging as a legitimate force in the Eastern Conference.
Lakers Fall Short in the Clutch
While James and Davis have often carried the Lakers to victory, their combined free-throw struggles in the final 39 seconds undermined an otherwise strong performance. The Lakers missed four of six free throws in crunch time, leaving the door open for Orlando to seize control.
Key Takeaways
- Magic’s Depth and Maturity Shine: Despite missing several starters, the Magic didn’t waver. Franz Wagner’s late-game heroics and Moritz Wagner’s interior presence exemplified Orlando’s resilience.
- Lakers’ Late-Game Woes: Davis and James dominated for much of the game, but their inability to close it out underscores the team’s ongoing need for consistent execution under pressure.
By the Numbers
- Fourth-Quarter Heroes: The Wagner brothers combined for 20 of the Magic’s 30 fourth-quarter points.
- Lakers’ Free-Throw Struggles: Missing critical free throws in the game’s final moments proved to be a decisive factor in the loss.
Injury Updates
The Lakers were without Rui Hachimura (ankle) for the fourth straight game and Bronny James (heel bruise) for the second. Meanwhile, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope missed the game for personal reasons.
What’s Next
- Magic: Orlando returns home to face Detroit on Saturday, where they will aim to protect their undefeated 7-0 home record.
- Lakers: Los Angeles hosts the reigning champion Denver Nuggets on Saturday in what promises to be another high-stakes matchup.
This nail-biting finish is a testament to the Magic’s rapid growth and ability to contend with NBA heavyweights. Meanwhile, the Lakers will look to regroup and address late-game execution as the season progresses.