The Orlando Magic pulled off a thrilling 119-118 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on November 21, 2024, in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. The game featured an unbelievable finish, with Franz Wagner hitting a clutch 3-pointer with just 2.5 seconds left to give the Magic the win, snapping the Lakers’ six-game win streak. This remarkable performance showcased Wagner’s immense talent and poise, particularly in the final quarter, as he scored 15 of his 37 points in the last stretch to seal the victory for Orlando.

Wagner’s game-winning shot was the defining moment in a contest that saw the Lakers fail to capitalize on several late-game opportunities. Despite strong performances from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers couldn’t get the job done at home, falling to a Magic team that was playing without three of its key starters. It was a testament to the depth and resilience of the Magic, who have now won seven of their last eight games.

Franz Wagner: A Star in the Making

Wagner’s performance against the Lakers is likely to be remembered as one of his most significant moments in his young NBA career. The 22-year-old German forward has been steadily improving since his entry into the league, and his ability to rise to the occasion in such a crucial game only further cements his status as one of the Magic’s key players. His 37-point performance was a career-high, and the 15 points in the fourth quarter highlighted his ability to take control when it mattered most. It was an all-around effort that demonstrated his scoring versatility, playmaking skills, and maturity on the court.

Wagner’s 3-pointer with 2.5 seconds left was, of course, the defining moment, but it was his entire performance in the final quarter that set the stage for the Magic’s dramatic win. He displayed the poise of a seasoned veteran as he paced himself throughout the game, choosing his spots wisely and taking over in the final minutes. His ability to score from different areas on the court—whether it was through drives to the basket, mid-range jumpers, or deep 3-pointers—made him a nightmare for the Lakers’ defense in the closing stages of the game.

What made Wagner’s performance even more impressive was that he didn’t have to do it alone. He was supported by his brother, Moritz Wagner, who had a strong performance of his own, posting a season-high 19 points. Additionally, Jalen Suggs added 23 points, contributing to the collective effort. However, it was Wagner who rose above the rest when it mattered most, showcasing not only his skill but his ability to lead his team in a high-pressure situation.

A Buzzer-Beater Game That Could Have Been Different

While Wagner will rightfully take the spotlight for his game-winning shot, the Los Angeles Lakers’ failure to capitalize on their chances in the final moments cannot be overlooked. With 19 seconds left, the Lakers were in a position to either tie or take the lead, but Anthony Davis missed two crucial free throws. That was the first in a series of missed opportunities that ultimately cost the Lakers the game. The missed free throws came after LeBron James hit a crucial basket to bring the Lakers within one, but both James and Davis collectively missed four of their last six free throws in the final 39 seconds.

The Lakers were also unable to convert on an 18-foot jumper from Anthony Davis at the buzzer, giving the Magic a chance to snatch victory away from the home team. It was a frustrating end to what had been a strong showing from the Lakers, particularly from Anthony Davis, who had a dominant performance with 39 points and 9 rebounds.

The missed free throws and the failed final shot left the door wide open for Orlando to make a dramatic comeback. With no timeouts left, the Magic pushed the ball up the court, and Wagner did what he has done throughout his young career—he delivered in the clutch. His 3-pointer over the outstretched arms of the Lakers defense was the perfect capstone to an already impressive fourth quarter, securing Orlando’s second win in a row.

LeBron James’ Strong Play, but Late Misses Hurt Lakers

LeBron James, who finished with 31 points, played a significant role in keeping the Lakers within striking distance throughout the game. His 14 points in the fourth quarter highlighted his ability to step up in crunch time, as he tried to will his team to victory. However, despite his heroic efforts, the Lakers couldn’t finish the job in the closing moments.

James has long been regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, but even his remarkable skills were unable to overcome the combined mistakes of the Lakers in the final moments of the game. James and Davis’s inability to execute on free throws and take advantage of their opportunities ultimately proved costly.

Magic’s Resilience and Depth

Despite missing three starters, the Orlando Magic displayed incredible resilience and depth, which has been a hallmark of their strong performances this season. The team’s ability to stay competitive, even without key players, shows just how much growth they have experienced. Beyond Wagner’s brilliance, the team received contributions from other players, including Jalen Suggs (23 points), who provided offensive support when needed.

The Magic have now established themselves as a team capable of competing against the NBA’s best, as evidenced by their recent seven wins in eight games. It’s clear that they are a team that can punch above their weight, particularly when their young stars like Wagner take control of games.

Lakers’ Home Streak Ends, Magic Find Their Groove

For the Lakers, the loss marked their first home defeat in eight games, a streak that had given fans hope of a dominant season. However, this game was a reminder that success in the NBA is not always guaranteed, even when you have superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers will need to bounce back quickly from this loss and address their missed opportunities, particularly at the free-throw line.

As for the Magic, this victory is another step in their ongoing development as a playoff contender. With Franz Wagner leading the way, they have the potential to continue building on this momentum and surprise even more teams as the season progresses.

Impact: Wagner’s Growth and Magic’s Promise

Franz Wagner has officially announced his arrival as a potential star in the NBA. His 37-point, 11-assist performance in the victory over the Lakers will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the season for Orlando. The Magic, led by Wagner, have proven they can overcome adversity and make a deep run, even without some of their key players on the floor. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Wagner and the Magic, who are steadily building a team capable of competing with the league’s elite.