Wendell Carter Jr.'s Last-Second Heroics Seal Orlando Magic's Thrilling Victory Over Los Angeles Lakers
In a heart-stopping finish at Crypto.com Arena, Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. powered through the defensive pressure of Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia to score the game-winning putback with only 6.7 seconds remaining. This clutch play secured a dramatic 110-109 victory for the Magic on Tuesday night, which translates to Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in Philippine time.
Magic Cap Successful West Coast Trip with Gritty Win
According to the Associated Press, this win marked the culmination of a highly successful West Coast trip for the Orlando Magic. The team was spearheaded by a dominant 36-point performance from star forward Paolo Banchero, who set the tone offensively. However, it was Carter who delivered the final blow, adding 20 points and 12 rebounds to his crucial game-winner.
The Magic demonstrated remarkable resilience, rallying from an early double-digit deficit to seize a five-point lead with just five and a half minutes left in the contest. Despite a tiebreaking three-pointer from Lakers forward Rui Hachimura with 2:14 remaining, Orlando responded with key plays down the stretch.
Lakers' Late-Game Opportunities Slip Away
LeBron James had a golden opportunity to win the game for the Los Angeles Lakers, but his fallaway three-point attempt as time expired missed the mark. This defeat left the Lakers with a 4-4 record on their recent homestand, pushing them into sixth place in the highly competitive Western Conference standings.
Luka Doncic orchestrated the Lakers' offense with 22 points and 15 assists, while James and Deandre Ayton each contributed 21 points. Austin Reaves provided a spark with all 18 of his points coming in the second half. However, turnovers by the Lakers and Orlando's struggles from three-point range kept the game tightly contested through three quarters, setting the stage for the dramatic finale.
Key Moments and Statistical Highlights
The game featured several pivotal sequences:
- Desmond Bane hit a go-ahead triple with 34.6 seconds left, giving Orlando a brief lead.
- Doncic found James for a dunk to regain the advantage for the Lakers.
- Carter scored on Orlando's second offensive rebound of its final possession to put the Magic ahead for good.
- Doncic got the ball to James for one last attempt, but the shot fell short, sealing Orlando's victory.
With this win, the Magic have now won six of their last eight games and took three of four on the road after the break. This includes their fourth consecutive victory over the Lakers, moving Orlando within a half-game of sixth place in the Eastern Conference.
Around the League: Timberwolves, Pelicans, and Others Secure Wins
In other NBA action, the Minnesota Timberwolves edged the Portland Trail Blazers 124-121, led by Anthony Edwards' 34 points and five three-pointers. Jaden McDaniels added 27 points, and Rudy Gobert anchored the defense with 19 rebounds. The game featured 15 lead changes, but Minnesota's 17-of-35 shooting from beyond the arc proved decisive.
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the short-handed Golden State Warriors 113-109, with Zion Williamson scoring 26 points and Dejounte Murray adding 13 in his first game in nearly 13 months. The Warriors, playing without Stephen Curry, were led by De'Anthony Melton's season-high 28 points.
Additional results from around the league include:
- Philadelphia 76ers defeating Indiana Pacers 135-114
- Dallas Mavericks beating Brooklyn Nets 123-114
- Oklahoma City Thunder topping Toronto Raptors 116-107
- Atlanta Hawks routing Washington Wizards 119-98
- Cleveland Cavaliers downing New York Knicks 109-94
- Charlotte Hornets crushing Chicago Bulls 131-99
- Milwaukee Bucks beating Miami Heat 128-117
- Boston Celtics winning 97-81 at Phoenix Suns
This thrilling night of basketball underscored the intensity and unpredictability of the NBA season, with the Magic's last-second victory serving as a standout moment.
