The first quarter, pleasant to follow, set the tone for this meeting between the Lakers and the Magic. The Wagner brothers, Franz and Moritz, move and shake up Los Angeles (38-36).
The pleasant aspect of the game is confirmed in the first seconds of the second quarter, with the poster of Moe Wagner and the immediate response from LeBron James, who goes up on Jonathan Isaac. Even if Franz Wagner is clumsy, especially at 3-points, with offensive rebounds, the Magic remains in the game (67-60).
Returning from the locker room, the Lakers are off to a better start. But it doesn't last, because the Floridians are really tough, don't panic and go 11-3. New 3-point baskets allow breathing space when their zone defense hampers LeBron James and his gang (88-89). However, the latter will find a solution: strike from afar. He makes three 3-point baskets, the last of which is distant, and the Lakers put their opponent on the ropes.
Anthony Davis, clumsy at free throws, revives the Magic
Stunned, the Magic? No way. Little by little, he came back, so much so that, two minutes from time, Franz Wagner, again, put his team in front. But LeBron James seems too strong: he grabs an offensive rebound and scores. Then gobbles up the defensive rebound and throws a cross-court pass to Anthony Davis. Once again, Orlando gets down on one knee.
We then start with the end of the match which will be decided by free throws to, we think, validate the Californian victory. Except that Anthony Davis misses three free throws in less than ten seconds. It thus offers on a plateau the opportunity to return, or even to go ahead. Franz Wagner does not miss this chance and scores 3-points in the final seconds. The inside of the Lakers will have one last opportunity, to save Los Angeles' invincibility at home, but he misses. Magic victory, 118-119.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– LeBron James thought he had done the hardest part… With his three 3-point baskets in a row, plus his sequence with two rebounds, two points and an assist, the “King” spared no effort to help his team win. He finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. But the clumsiness of Anthony Davis's free throws, despite having played a big game (39 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks), spoiled the Lakers' money time…
– Franz Wagner, symbol of his team. The Magic are right to believe that the German plays like an All-Star. Not everything was perfect in his match, he sometimes abused the 3-point shot a little, but his activity and his will symbolized Orlando's attitude. He and his teammates had played the day before against the Clippers, were manhandled in this meeting, especially in the last quarter, but they never gave up or lost their calm. Franz Wagner, in addition to his superb decisive 3-point shot, finished with 37 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 steals.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
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