Magic Beat Clippers 116–111 in OT, Snap 9-game Losing Streak

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero drives to the basket under pressure from Los Angeles Clippers guard Luke Kennard during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 7, 2022. Scott Audette/AP Photo

ORLANDO, Fla.—Rookie Pablo Banchero scored 10 of his 23 points in overtime and the Orlando Magic snapped a nine-game losing streak with a 116–111 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, Dec. 7.

Banchero, the top overall pick in the NBA draft, made all six of his free throws in the final seven seconds of overtime, rallying the Magic from a 111–110 deficit.

Terrance Mann came off the bench to lead the Clippers with 19 points. Nicolas Batum scored 16 points and center Ivica Zubac had 16 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out in overtime.

Bol Bol and Mo Wagner each scored 20 points for the Magic, who trailed by 18 points in the first quarter.

Paul George and Kawhi Leonard combined for 17 points in the first quarter and the Clippers made five 3-pointers in the first seven minutes to race to a 23–6 lead. The Magic shot 4 for 18 with seven turnovers in the first period and trailed 32–14.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero shoots over Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and guard Paul George (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 7, 2022. Scott Audette/AP Photo

Cole Anthony’s 3-pointer started a 12–2 run late in the first half to get the Magic within three points. Leonard hit a 3-pointer late in the third period that extended the Clippers’ lead to 17 points before Bol and Anthony led another charge to get Orlando back in it.

Franz Wagner scored seven points during a 17-1 run that gave Orlando an 85–79 lead before George and Batum re-entered the game with 8:36 remaining in the fourth, launching an 18–4 run by the Clippers.

Leonard, Fultz and George missed jumpers in the final seconds of the fourth quarter and the teams were tied at 99–99 at the end of regulation.

Tip–Ins

Clippers: G Luke Kennard (calf) sat out the game as a precaution. F Marcus Morris (illness) did not play but is hopeful of playing Thursday. G Norman Powell missed a fourth game with a strained left groin. G John Wall, who had 12 assists off the bench Monday night, did not play due to a sore knee.

Magic: Bol had three turnovers in the first five minutes. C Wendell Carter Jr. missed a 10th straight game with a foot injury. G Jalen Suggs (ankle), F Chuma Okeke (knee) and G Gary Harris (hamstring) did not play.

Up Next

Clippers: Play at Miami on Thursday night.

Magic: Host Toronto Raptors on Friday night.

By Dick Scanlon