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Wagner’s late three gets Magic to end Lakers
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Wagner’s late three gets Magic to end Lakers

Franz Wagner celebrates a score

Franz Wagner (right) started his career with Alba Berlin in the German Basketball Bundesliga before being selected by Orlando in the 2021 draft (Getty Images)

Franz Wagner scored a three-pointer with three seconds left to secure a dramatic 119–118 victory for the Orlando Magic and end the Los Angeles Lakers’ undefeated home record.

The 23-year-old German top-scored with 37 points, 11 assists and six rebounds as the Magic took advantage of some wayward Lakers shooting in the fourth quarter.

The home side were on the brink of an eighth straight home win when they opened a 118-114 lead with 27 seconds left.

Wagner closed the gap to 118-116 before Lakers forward Anthony Davis missed two free throws when he had a chance to put the game out of reach.

The Magic took full advantage, with Wagner’s shot from 26 feet earning a seventh win in eight games.

It means Orlando improves to 10-7 and remains fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers are also fourth in the West, having fallen to 10-5.

Elsewhere, Brandon Miller scored a career-high 38 points as the Charlotte Hornets recovered from losing a 20-point lead to win the Detroit Pistons 123-121 in overtime.

Detroit trailed 89-69 in the third quarter, but fought back to tie 107-107 with one minute, 33 seconds remaining.

But Tre Mann’s layup with 3:03 left in overtime gave the Hornets a lead they never relinquished and sealed just a second victory in six games.

RJ Barrett scored 31 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter Toronto Raptors beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-105.

Harrison Barnes had 25 points and 10 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Utah Jazz 126-118.