ORLANDO, Fla. — Franz Wagner delivered an impressive performance with 32 points and eight assists, while Paolo Banchero contributed 30 points and seven rebounds as the Orlando Magic handed the Los Angeles Lakers their third consecutive defeat, resulting in a 118-106 victory on Monday night.
Luka Doncic, leading the scoring for the Lakers, recorded 32 points, with LeBron James adding 24 points and eight assists, although the team suffered its seventh loss in 10 games.
For the Magic, Anthony Black came off the bench providing significant support with 17 points, five rebounds, and six assists.
Austin Reaves managed to score eight of his 17 points in the first quarter for the Lakers. Despite leading by nine points towards the end of the first half, the Lakers struggled in the third quarter, getting outscored 34-18 by the Magic.
Key Notes:
Lakers: Suffering their third defeat in a row at the start of a four-game road trip, the Lakers (43-28) are now tied for fourth rank in the Western Conference with Memphis.
Magic: By breaking a six-game home losing streak, Orlando (34-38) held on to their position in eighth place in the Eastern Conference standings.
Decisive Moment:
After the Lakers cut a 17-point deficit to seven with just over five minutes left in the game, Wagner and Banchero executed a decisive run, teaming up to score the Magic’s next ten points, including crucial layups, establishing a 110-98 advantage with just over three minutes remaining.
Stats Highlight:
Previously the lowest-ranking team in terms of scoring, averaging 104.8 points per game, the Magic excelled by shooting 49.4% from the field, hitting 15 three-pointers, and maintaining ball control with only nine turnovers.
Upcoming Matches:
The Lakers are scheduled to play against Indiana on Wednesday night, while the Magic will face off against Charlotte on Tuesday night.