Doncic hesitates, Magic surprises

Wanting to play with every element is the mark of a genius, but that does not guarantee control over them. Luka Doncic may well have been thinking along those lines after watching the Lakers fall 110-109 to the Orlando Magic at Crypto Arena, their second straight home loss. Once again it came against an Eastern Conference opponent – and this time against a team with a less impressive record than the Boston Celtics. Los Angeles needs to respond quickly or risk letting a valuable opportunity slip away.

Doncic held the outcome in his hands on the final possession. He misjudged the moment and, in a blink, saw the path to victory close. The Slovenian struggled from the field – 2 of 10 from three-point range and 6 of 14 inside the arc – and that may have lingered in his mind on the decisive play. He still produced 22 points and an impressive 15 assists, leaning on 21 points apiece from LeBron James and DeAndre Ayton, along with 18 from Austin Reaves. Across the floor, Paolo Banchero emerged as the difference-maker. The Magic forward poured in 36 points and even forced the hesitation from Doncic that ultimately determined the result.

For three quarters, the team in off-white controlled the tempo. The Lakers, dressed in black, did not expect the night to end in disappointment. Orlando surged in the closing stretch and snatched a win that appeared destined for the home side. It was a tightly contested, high-quality battle – the kind neutral fans relish.

Orlando, now 31-26, has capitalized on its West Coast trip. The Magic claimed victories over both Los Angeles teams – the Clippers and the Lakers – after also beating the Sacramento Kings in California. Three wins in four games on the road, despite having dropped their previous two outings. They lead the Southeast Division and sit seventh in the Eastern Conference, just one game behind the Philadelphia 76ers for a guaranteed playoff berth.

There is little to reproach on the Lakers’ side. Their three-point shooting faltered, though Orlando was even worse from deep. Both teams were similarly inconsistent at the free-throw line. The key deficit came on the boards, despite Ayton’s 13 rebounds. The final minutes unfolded as a compelling duel, decided by an unusual flicker of indecision from Doncic.

Orlando began sluggishly, also dealing with the late absence of Jalen Suggs because of back issues. LeBron James quickly found rhythm, scoring 10 early points, while Doncic orchestrated with flair. That early comfort would not last. In the second quarter, Wendell Carter Jr. steadied the Magic and sparked Banchero before halftime. Two Banchero free throws sent Orlando into the break trailing just 56-53.

The third quarter remained competitive. Doncic, though off target as a scorer, dictated tempo with drives and pinpoint passes. The ending felt destined to be tight. Five straight points from Doncic and a corner shot by Rui Hachimura were matched by and-ones from Anthony Black and Banchero. With a minute left, it was tied 105-105.

James made one free throw to edge the Lakers ahead by two. Then Desmond Bane – after starting 0 for 6 from beyond the arc – buried a crucial outside shot to give Orlando the lead. James answered with a dunk off an inbounds lapse. Carter Jr., collecting one of his 11 rebounds, cleaned up a miss to put the Magic ahead 110-109 with 6.7 seconds remaining.

The Lakers inbounded from the left sideline with the clock ticking down. Doncic found himself alone nearly 26 feet (about 8 meters) from the rim. He hesitated, aware that a quick make would leave time for Orlando. That extra dribble allowed Banchero to recover defensively. Doncic passed to James, who could not convert under pressure. A disjointed final possession sealed the Lakers’ fate.

Other NBA results

• Pacers 114 – 76ers 135
• Nets 114 – Mavericks 123
• Raptors 107 – Thunder 116
• Cavaliers 109 – Knicks 94
• Bulls 99 – Hornets 131
• Bucks 128 – Heat 117
• Pelicans 113 – Warriors 109
• Trail Blazers 121 – Timberwolves 124
• Suns 81 – Celtics 97
• Hawks 119 – Wizards 98

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