NBA roundup: Wagner's clutch performance lifts Magic over Lakers, Spurs edge Jazz in thriller

German international Franz Wagner sank a three-pointer with just three seconds left, leading the Orlando Magic to a thrilling 119-118 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, thus ending the Lakers' unbeaten home streak on Thursday.

Wagner capitalized on the Lakers' erratic free throw shooting in the final moments of a closely contested match at the Crypto.com Arena, securing a hard-earned win for Orlando.

The 23-year-old Wagner recorded an impressive 37 points, along with 11 assists and six rebounds, spearheading the Magic's scoring efforts. His older brother Moritz contributed 19 points off the bench, while Jalen Suggs added 23 points.

The Lakers, who entered the game on a six-game winning streak, lamented their missed opportunities at the free throw line in the fourth quarter, converting only three of nine attempts.

With 27 seconds remaining, the Lakers appeared to be in control, holding a four-point lead at 118-114. However, Wagner narrowed the deficit to 118-116 with a driving layup, and Anthony Davis subsequently missed two crucial free throws, providing Orlando with a chance to seize the moment with 19 seconds left.

Wagner then took full advantage of the Lakers' missed opportunities, executing a step-back three-pointer from 26 feet to secure what would be the decisive lead for Orlando.

Davis was the leading scorer for the Lakers with 39 points, while LeBron James contributed 31 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Rookie Dalton Knecht added 17 points to the tally.

With this victory, Orlando improved to 10-7, while the Lakers fell to 10-5, placing them fourth in the Western Conference.

In other matchups, the San Antonio Spurs raised their season record to 8-8 after a hard-fought 126-118 win against the Utah Jazz.

Utah had seemed on track to secure only their fourth win of the season, having established a 20-point lead in the second quarter against a Spurs team missing the injured Victor Wembanyama. However, San Antonio surged back, scoring 75 points in the second half to outpace Utah by 24 points and clinch the victory.

Harrison Barnes was the top scorer for San Antonio, contributing 25 points and securing 10 rebounds, while rookies Stephon Castle and Zach Collins each added 18 points. This performance was notable as eight players from the Spurs reached double figures in scoring.

For Utah, Lauri Markkanen led the team with 27 points, marking their fourth consecutive loss.

In Charlotte, Brandon Miller showcased an impressive scoring display during overtime, finishing with a career-high of 38 points, leading the Hornets to a narrow victory over the Detroit Pistons with a score of 123-121. Miller's eight points in overtime were crucial in securing the win, improving Charlotte's season record to 6-9.

Additionally, the Toronto Raptors achieved an upset against the Minnesota Timberwolves, winning the game 110-105.

SportsLigue