Franz Wagner (right) began his career at Alba Berlin in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga before being selected by Orlando in the 2021 draft [Getty Images]
Franz Wagner scored a three-pointer with three seconds left to secure a dramatic 119-118 win for the Orlando Magic and end the Los Angeles Lakers’ unbeaten home record.
The 23-year-old German top-scored with 37 points, 11 assists and six rebounds as the Magic took advantage of some wayward Lakers shooting in the fourth quarter.
The home side were on the brink of an eighth successive home victory when they opened up a 118-114 lead with 27 seconds left.
Wagner narrowed the gap to 118-116, before Lakers forward Anthony Davis missed two free throws when he had the chance to put the game beyond reach.
The Magic took full advantage, with Wagner’s 26-foot shot sealing a seventh win in eight games.
It means Orlando improve to 10-7 and stay fourth in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers are also fourth in the West after slipping to 10-5.
Elsewhere, Brandon Miller scored a career-high 38 points as the Charlotte Hornets recovered from losing a 20-point lead to beat the Detroit Pistons 123-121 in overtime.
Detroit trailed 89-69 in the third quarter but fought back to level at 107-107 with one minute 33 seconds remaining.
But Tre Mann’s lay-up with 3:03 left in overtime gave the Hornets a lead they never relinquished and sealed just a second win in six games.
RJ Barrett scored 31 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, as the Toronto Raptors beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 110-105.
Harrison Barnes had 25 points and 10 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Utah Jazz 126-118.
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