The Los Angeles Lakers had the game under control for a long time before losing control in the final quarter. The Orlando Magic made consistent use of their second chances—and decided the game in their favor in the final seconds.
Los Angeles started strongly: LeBron James made his mark with ten early points, Luka Doncic led the offense, and the lead grew to twelve points at one stage. Deandre Ayton scored efficiently from the post and was already in double figures at halftime. Orlando remained within striking distance, thanks in large part to Wendell Carter Jr., who repeatedly found open lanes to the basket. LA was narrowly ahead at halftime.
In the third quarter, the game initially seemed to be tilting in favor of the home team. Austin Reaves found his rhythm, scored from outside, and served LeBron spectacularly with an alley-oop. But Paolo Banchero exploded with 17 points in the third quarter (36 points in total) and turned the game around again. German national player Tristan da Silva also made his mark: as a starter, he scored 13 points (3/5 three-pointers), six rebounds and two steals. His compatriot Moritz Wagner contributed four points in eleven minutes.
Bane show brings Magic the win
In the final quarter, Desmond Bane (22) took over with several important shots and put Orlando back in the lead for the first time since the first quarter. A dramatic exchange of blows followed: LeBron with a dunk, Bane with a three-pointer, Reaves with an and-one. With 6.7 seconds left, Carter Jr. secured the lead with a putback layup after an offensive rebound.
Doncic (22/15 AST) hesitated on the final attack, LeBron had to take a difficult shot – and missed. Orlando won 110-109, dominating with 15 points off offensive rebounds and handing the Lakers their second consecutive defeat and their first loss of the season after leading after three quarters.