Orlando Magic defeats LA Clippers 111-109
LA Clippers Fall Short in Thrilling Contest Against Orlando Magic
The LA Clippers suffered a heartbreaking 109-111 defeat at the hands of the Orlando Magic on February 22nd, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena. A late surge from Orlando proved to be the difference in a game that went down to the wire, leaving the Clippers with a tough loss in the 2025 regular season. Despite a strong showing from several key players, the Clippers were unable to overcome a resilient Magic squad.
Game Flow
The game began with a fast pace, as both teams traded baskets early on. Orlando came out strong, establishing a slight lead in the first quarter with a score of Q1: 25-29. The Clippers struggled to find their rhythm offensively, shooting below 40% from the field. The second quarter saw a more balanced affair, with both teams matching each other point for point. While the Clippers' offense improved, the Magic maintained their composure, resulting in a 28-28 tie for the quarter, and a 53-57 halftime score.
The third quarter was where the Clippers began to make their move. Led by a strong performance from Kawhi Leonard, they outscored the Magic 36-31, taking the lead heading into the final frame. The Clippers’ defense tightened, forcing Orlando into several turnovers. The score after three quarters was 89-88 in favor of the Clippers. However, the fourth quarter brought a dramatic shift in momentum. Orlando responded with a determined push, fueled by Paolo Banchero's clutch shooting and aggressive drives to the basket. The Magic outscored the Clippers 23-20 in a tense final period, sealing the victory with a late three-pointer. The Clippers had opportunities to tie or take the lead in the final seconds, but their shots failed to fall. The final score was 109-111.
Highlight Players
Kawhi Leonard: Leonard led the Clippers with a dominant performance, finishing with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. He was a force on both ends of the court, showcasing his signature mid-range game and defensive prowess. Leonard shot 12-of-22 from the field, and was a key player in the Clippers' third-quarter run.
Paul George: George contributed a solid 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. He provided consistent scoring throughout the game and was crucial in attempting to keep the Clippers in contention. George also added 3 steals, demonstrating his impact on the defensive end. He shot 9-of-19 from the field.
Paolo Banchero (ORL): Banchero led the Magic with an impressive 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. He was the catalyst for Orlando's late-game surge, making several key baskets down the stretch. His ability to create his own shot and drive to the basket proved to be too much for the Clippers to handle. He shot 11-of-21 from the field.
Team Stats Breakdown
The LA Clippers shot FG% 45.7% from the field, compared to the Orlando Magic's FG% 48.2%. Rebounding was relatively even, with the Clippers grabbing 42 rebounds and the Magic securing 45. Assists favored the Magic, 28 to 26. Turnovers proved costly for the Clippers, who committed 18 compared to Orlando's 12. Points in the paint were also in Orlando's favor, 52 to 48. The Clippers managed 38 points from the bench, while the Magic’s bench contributed 32. Three-point shooting was fairly close, with the Clippers hitting 11-of-30 (36.7%) and the Magic connecting on 10-of-25 (40%). Orlando also capitalized on fast break points, scoring 20 compared to the Clippers’ 14. The Clippers had a slight edge in second chance points, 15-12. The Magic’s free throw percentage was 81.8% (18-of-22) while the Clippers shot 78.6% (11-of-14).
Next Game Preview
The LA Clippers will look to bounce back when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on February 26th, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena. The Timberwolves are currently one of the top teams in the Western Conference, boasting a strong defensive presence and a potent offensive attack led by Anthony Edwards. The Clippers will need to address their turnover issues and improve their consistency on offense to secure a victory against a tough Minnesota squad. It's expected to be a physical and competitive matchup.