In a thrilling NBA showdown that went down to the final second, the Orlando Magic pulled off a stunning 127-126 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, December 28, 2025 (Philippine Time), thanks to a career night from Anthony Black and ice-cold nerves from Desmond Bane.
Black's Shooting Barrage and Bane's Heroics Seal the Win
The game's narrative was defined by two clutch performances. Anthony Black exploded for a career-best 38 points, setting the tone early by draining seven three-pointers at the Kia Center. However, it was Desmond Bane who delivered the final blow, calmly sinking two free throws with only 6.9 seconds remaining on the clock to put the Magic ahead for good.
Orlando's victory was a true team effort beyond its two stars. Wendell Carter Jr. provided strong support with 18 points, while Tristan da Silva added 17. All-Star Paolo Banchero also contributed 12 points to the winning cause.
Jokic's Historic Triple-Double Effort Falls Short
The Magic had to survive a monumental performance from Denver's centerpiece, Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP put up a massive triple-double, scoring 34 points, grabbing a season-high 21 rebounds, and dishing out 12 assists. This marked the 180th triple-double of Jokic's legendary career, leaving him just one shy of tying the all-time great Oscar Robertson for second place on the NBA's all-time list.
Despite Jokic's brilliance, the Nuggets came up just short. Jamal Murray scored 24 points but missed a potential game-winning fade-away jumper at the buzzer. Tim Hardaway Jr. finished with 20 points, Peyton Watson scored 15, while Spencer Jones and Julian Strawther added 14 and 13 points respectively.
A Signature Win for Orlando's Resurgence
This dramatic win represents a significant moment for the Orlando Magic, showcasing their ability to close out games against the league's elite. Beating a championship contender like Denver, led by a historic performance from Jokic, signals the team's growing maturity and resilience. The victory was built on a foundation of hot shooting, timely defense in the final moments, and the poise to execute under extreme pressure.
For the Nuggets, it's a tough loss despite Jokic's incredible stat line. The game underscores the fine margins in the NBA, where even a near-perfect night from your best player can result in a defeat if a single play goes the other way.
