Franz Wagner delivered in the clutch, and the Magic stunned the Lakers with a 119-118 road win on Thursday night. Wagner’s go-ahead 3-pointer with just 2.5 seconds left capped off a 37-point, 11-assist night for the rising star, as the Magic snapped the Lakers’ six-game winning streak.
This was a statement win for a shorthanded Magic team playing without three starters, including Wendell Carter Jr. and Paolo Banchero.
Orlando showed poise and resilience, particularly in the fourth quarter, where Wagner poured in 15 points and got plenty of help from Jalen Suggs (23 points) and older brother Moritz Wagner, who added a season-high 19 off the bench.
The Lakers, meanwhile, had their opportunities late but couldn’t capitalize. Anthony Davis scored a team-high 39 points and grabbed nine rebounds but missed two crucial free throws with 19 seconds left.
Moments later, he missed an 18-foot jumper at the buzzer, sealing the Lakers’ first home loss in eight games.
LeBron James added 31 points, including 14 in the fourth, but even he couldn’t save the Lakers in the final moments.
“Every loss is frustrating,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said.
Key takeaways? The Magic look like a team ready to take the next step in the Eastern Conference. Even without their full lineup, Orlando played with confidence and composure, overcoming a tough road atmosphere.
The Wagners accounted for 20 of the Magic’s 30 points in the fourth quarter, underscoring the team’s balanced attack and versatility.
As for the Lakers, James and Davis did their part to keep the game within reach, but their struggles at the free-throw line proved costly. LA missed four of six from the stripe in the final 39 seconds, a glaring stat in a one-point loss.
For Orlando, it’s a win that builds belief. For the Lakers, it’s a missed opportunity.
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