Table of Contents
The first quarter, pleasant to follow, set the tone for this meeting between the Lakers and the Magic. The Wagner brothers, Franz and Moritz, move and shake up Los Angeles (38-36).
The pleasant aspect of the game is confirmed in the first seconds of the second quarter, with the poster of Moe Wagner and the immediate response from LeBron James, who goes up on Jonathan Isaac. Even if Franz Wagner is clumsy, especially at 3-points, with offensive rebounds, the Magic remains in the game (67-60).
Returning from the locker room, the Lakers are off to a better start. But it doesn’t last, because the Floridians are really tough, don’t panic and go 11-3. New 3-point baskets allow breathing space when their zone defense hampers LeBron James and his gang (88-89). However, the latter will find a solution: strike from afar. He makes three 3-point baskets, the last of which is distant, and the Lakers put their opponent on the ropes.
Anthony Davis, clumsy at free throws, revives the Magic
Stunned, the Magic? No way. Little by little, he came back, so much so that, two minutes from time, Franz Wagner, again, put his team in front. But LeBron James seems too strong: he grabs an offensive rebound and scores. Then gobbles up the defensive rebound and throws a cross-court pass to Anthony Davis. Once again, Orlando gets down on one knee.
We then start with the end of the match which will be decided by free throws to, we think, validate the Californian victory. Except that Anthony Davis misses three free throws in less than ten seconds. It thus offers on a plateau the opportunity to come back, or even to go ahead. Franz Wagner does not miss this chance and scores 3-points in the final seconds. The inside of the Lakers will have one last opportunity, to save Los Angeles’ invincibility at home, but he misses. Magic victory, 118-119.
FRANZ WAGNER WINS IT FOR THE MAGIC
Lakers lose their first home game of the season pic.twitter.com/jcfPBMpP0I
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 22, 2024
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– LeBron James thought he had done the hardest part… With his three 3-point baskets in a row, plus his sequence with two rebounds, two points and an assist, the “King” spared no effort to help his team win. He finished with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. But the clumsiness of Anthony Davis’s free throws, despite having played a big game (39 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks), spoiled the Lakers’ money time…
– Franz Wagner, symbol of his team. The Magic are right to believe that the German plays like an All-Star. Not everything was perfect in his match, he sometimes abused the 3-point shot a little, but his activity and his will symbolized Orlando’s attitude. He and his teammates had played the day before against the Clippers, were manhandled in this meeting, especially in the last quarter, but they never gave up or lost their calm. Franz Wagner, in addition to his superb decisive 3-point shot, finished with 37 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 steals.
| LA Lakers / 118 | Shots | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Players | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | O | D | T | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | +/- | Pts | Eval |
| Orlando / 119 | Shots | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Players | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | O | D | T | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | +/- | Pts | Eval |
How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
How did the Lakers’ strategy, particularly LeBron James’ performance, influence the momentum and outcome of the game?
This article covers a basketball game between the LA Lakers and the Orlando Magic. Here are some open-ended questions for discussion, divided into thematic sections:
**Section 1: LeBron James’ Performance**
* Despite a strong statistical performance (31 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists), the article suggests LeBron James might feel he didn’t fully deliver. How do you interpret this statement? What factors beyond the stats might be influencing his perspective?
* The article mentions LeBron James hitting three 3-pointers in a row, a key moment in the game. How important are clutch shots like these in terms of momentum and team morale?
**Section 2: Anthony Davis and Free Throws**
*
Anthony Davis had an overall strong performance but struggled with free throws. How crucial are free throws in determining the outcome of a close game?
* What psychological factors might contribute to a player struggling with free throws, especially in a tight game?
**Section 3: Franz Wagner and the Orlando Magic**
* The article highlights Franz Wagner’s “All-Star” potential. What specific aspects of his performance support this assessment?
* Despite losing, the Magic are praised for their resilience. What does this tell us about their team spirit and potential for the future?
How do you think playing back-to-back games affected the Magic’s performance?
*
**Section 4: Overall Game Analysis**
*
Based on the statistics provided, what can be said about the overall style of play in this game? Was it fast-paced, high-scoring, or more defensive-minded?
*
What do you think were the deciding factors in this game?
*
If you were coaching either the Lakers or the Magic, what adjustments might you make based on the outcome of this game?
