Franz Wagner’s Late Three-Pointer Secures Magic Victory, Halting Lakers’ Home Streak

Franz Wagner, who commenced his professional career at Alba Berlin in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga before being drafted by Orlando in 2021, scored a three-pointer with three seconds remaining to secure a dramatic 119-118 win for the Orlando Magic and conclude the Los Angeles Lakers’ undefeated home record. The 23-year-old German player led his team in scoring with 37 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds as the Magic capitalized on some inaccurate Lakers shooting in the fourth quarter. The home side was on the verge of an eighth consecutive home victory after establishing a 118-114 lead with 27 seconds left. Wagner then reduced the deficit to 118-116, before Lakers forward Anthony Davis missed two free throws when he had the opportunity to put the game out of reach. The Magic fully exploited this situation, with Wagner’s 26-foot shot clinching their seventh win in eight games. This result improves Orlando’s record to 10-7, keeping them fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers, now at 10-5, also hold the fourth position in the Western Conference. Elsewhere, Brandon Miller achieved a career-high 38 points as the Charlotte Hornets recovered from squandering a 20-point lead to defeat the Detroit Pistons 123-121 in overtime. Detroit had trailed 89-69 in the third quarter but mounted a comeback to level the score at 107-107 with one minute and 33 seconds remaining. However, Tre Mann’s lay-up with 3:03 left in overtime gave the Hornets a lead they did not relinquish, sealing only their second win in six games. RJ Barrett contributed 31 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, as the Toronto Raptors overcame the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-105. Harrison Barnes recorded 25 points and 10 rebounds, helping the San Antonio Spurs defeat the Utah Jazz 126-118.