ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Orlando Magic edged past the San Antonio Spurs with a thrilling 112-111 victory on Saturday night, thanks to clutch performances from key players. Paolo Banchero's pivotal 15-foot jump shot with just 24.7 seconds left secured the lead, complementing the team's fight back from behind throughout the game.
Franz Wagner emerged as the standout player, tallying 33 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Meanwhile, Anthony Black contributed significantly off the bench, scoring 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting, solidifying Orlando's offensive strategy. Banchero finished the game with 17 points, alongside seven rebounds and six assists, reaffirming his role as a decisive player for the Magic.
The match was intense with constant back and forth; the Magic were challenged early on, trailing by double digits at times. Despite Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs and his solid performance, which included 18 points and nine rebounds, it was Orlando's resilience and poise down the stretch which made the difference.
“It’s nice when Coach trusts you to take a shot like [the final one],” Banchero noted of his go-ahead bucket, reflecting confidence instilled by coach Jamahl Mosley. The Magic had to limit the Spurs to just 23 points during the final quarter, allowing them to orchestrate their comeback.
Wagner's contributions were not just limited to scoring; his playmaking was pivotal too, and he displayed fantastic court vision with five assists alongside his scoring. Remarkably, Wagner exceeded his expected performance, surpassing his point and rebound projections and playing 38 minutes, demonstrating his offensive and defensive capabilities throughout the game.
“He kept us within strike distance,” Banchero emphasized, praising Wagner's persistent effort. Indeed, Wagner's relentless pursuit of the ball directly led to Orlando securing the final possession, as he chased down his own missed shot and called for a timeout just before stepping out of bounds, exemplifying his dedication.
The Magic's victory marked their gradual recovery, improving their season record to 26-28, and establishing them firmly back home with more games to come. Following this success, they are set to host the Atlanta Hawks next, aiming to continue building on their momentum. Meanwhile, the Spurs, having also lost their prior contest by one point against Charlotte, faced another close defeat, bringing their record to 22-28 as they prepare to face Washington.
The night featured 14 lead changes and 12 ties, reflecting the tight contest. Orlando’s late surge included closing on a 10-2 run, becoming the decisive action as the clock wound down. The game not only showcased the Magic's persistent fighting spirit but also set the stage for the upcoming balancing acts required as they approach the All-Star break.
With Jalen Suggs sidelined again due to injury, the Magic relied heavily on their starting lineup including Cole Anthony and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who contributed effectively alongside Wagner and Banchero under the painted area. A notable performance was seen from Harrison Barnes, who opened strong for the Spurs by raining threes, though it wasn’t enough to secure their win.
Despite facing obstacles including missing key players, the Magic’s signature style of basketball, marked by teamwork and individual brilliance, shone brightly as they overcame the odds. Coach Mosley commended the team’s ability to remain unshaken and execute the right plays when it mattered most, highlighting the solid foundation being built for future games to come.
The Magic will need to replicate this high level of performance as they aim to propel their season forward and make waves within the league.