Franz Wagner stats tonight: How did Magic star fare in matchup with LeBron James and Anthony Davis? (Nov. 21)
Franz Wagner was the hero for the Orlando Magic with his clutch 3-pointer sinking the LA Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday. The forward led the side with 37 points and 11 assists as the Magic edged the Purple and Gold 119 -118 to end their dominant seven-game home winning streak. The loss also ended LA's overall winning streak.
The power forward led the Magic with 18 points in the first half as the visitors headed to the locker room trailing 67-60 Wagner also recorded three rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
The Magic star kept the Magic in the hunt even as they kept chasing LA's slender lead throughout the contest. He had ample support from Mo Wagner 19 points, five rebounds and four assists. Jalen Suggs chipped in with 23 points, five rebounds and as many assists. Franz Wagner came into the game in potential All-Star form averaging 22.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game.
Franz Wagner capitalizes on a strong first half to see Magic home in a narrow win
Franz Wagner began his first half on a strong note with 18 points. He continued to be a problem for the Lakers as he took charge in the fourth quarter. It started with a deep 3 to put Orlando ahead by one. He followed it up with another one with 2.5 seconds left in the quarter. It was a cold-blooded move at best and his celebrations said it all as the Lakers were stunned by the triple.
It did not help the Lakers as they missed the two free throws with 19 seconds left in the contest. Anthony Davis, who had a brilliant game up to that point, missed a pair from the charity stripe and then a buzzer-beater for LA as Orlando played without three of its key stars in the win.
Wagner's efforts show that the Magic's loss to the LA Clippers yesterday was just an aberration. They played two quality sides in as many days but showed heart and hustle as they won the rebound and 3-point battles with the Lakers. They overcame a combined 70-point fightback from Davis and Anthony Davis.
Up next, Franz Wagner and the Magic host the Detroit Pistons before taking on the Charlotte Hornets in an away trip. They follow it up with a skirmish against the Chicago Bulls and a two-game series against the Brooklyn Nets.