In their 10th consecutive game without All-Star Paolo Banchero due to a left groin strain, the Orlando Magic hosted the San Antonio Spurs, who were also short-handed without two of their young stars in Victor Wembanyama and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle.
In a battle that came down to the wire, the Spurs came out on top 114-112 at the Kia Center thanks to a huge block by Luke Kornet in the final seconds of regulation to seal the win for San Antonio.
Kornet delivered the biggest defensive moment of the night, but it was De’Aaron Fox who stole the show with a monster performance, leading all scorers with 31 points, along with five rebounds and five assists. He scored the Spurs’ final 10 points, including two clutch free throws with 1.4 seconds left. Coach Mitch Johnson’s team has now officially won seven of their last nine games without Wembanyama on the floor.
Fox was one of six Spurs players in double figures, including No. 2 overall pick Dylan Harper, who put up 16 points, five rebounds, and five assists in just 22 minutes off the bench.
Coach on Fox
“He’s been a force this year. He’s done it throughout his career,” said Coach Johnson postgame when asked about Fox.
“His experience and confidence closing games are extremely valuable for us. His poise and composure to go to the free throw line and knock them both down was a great job by De’Aaron.”
Orlando’s star duo, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, combined for 49 points in what was the team’s ninth loss of the season and fourth at home. Tristan Da Silva (12) and Desmond Bane (14) also scored in double figures from the starting lineup, but the absence of the team’s lone All-Star, Banchero, was clearly felt. He is expected to return this Friday against the Miami Heat. Orlando has now lost three of their last 10 games since Banchero suffered the groin injury.
Both teams remain in the hunt for their first-ever NBA Cup semifinal appearance in Las Vegas — with the Magic set to host the Heat, while the Spurs will visit the Los Angeles Lakers in the quarterfinals.