Bane and Banchero Lead Magic to Gritty Win Over Clippers in LA

clippers vs magic

LOS ANGELES, 23 February 2026 – The Orlando Magic and the LA Clippers met on Sunday night in a cross-conference clash that highlighted the contrasting trajectories of both franchises. While the Clippers relied on their veteran core to navigate a streaky season, the Magic showcased their young depth despite missing key personnel.

Game Recap: Magic vs Clippers

In a high-energy encounter on 22 February, the Orlando Magic continued their West Coast road trip with a resilient performance. Despite the absence of standout Franz Wagner, who remains out indefinitely with a left ankle injury, Orlando found offensive firepower from Desmond Bane and Paolo Banchero. Bane led the charge with 34 points, including a critical buzzer-beater, while Banchero dominated the glass with 26 points and 14 rebounds.

The Clippers countered with a vintage performance from Kawhi Leonard, who tallied 31 points. Newcomer Bennedict Mathurin added 26 points in a losing effort, as Los Angeles struggled to contain Orlando’s second-chance opportunities. The Magic’s ability to secure offensive rebounds proved to be the difference-maker, despite the Clippers’ late-game surge led by Leonard and Brook Lopez.

Head-to-Head History and Statistics

The rivalry between these two teams has historically been competitive, with the Clippers holding a slight edge in the all-time regular-season series. However, recent matchups have seen the Magic close the gap significantly.

MetricLA ClippersOrlando Magic
All-Time Regular Season Wins3933
Total Games Played7272
Home Win %65.0%40.9%
Away Win %59.1%35.0%
Recent Matchup (20 Nov 2025)101129

Latest Team Updates

Orlando Magic

The Magic are currently managing a 29-25 record. The team’s depth is being tested with Franz Wagner sidelined. However, the development of Anthony Black and Tristan Da Silva has provided a much-needed spark. Desmond Bane has emerged as a primary scoring option, recently eclipsing the 30-point mark in multiple outings.

LA Clippers

Sitting at 27-29, the Clippers are searching for consistency. While Kawhi Leonard remains a top-tier threat, the team has dealt with “streaky” play throughout February. The addition of Bennedict Mathurin has bolstered the wing rotation, but defensive lapses and rebounding remains a concern for head coach Tyronn Lue’s squad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the last game between the Clippers and the Magic?

The Orlando Magic defeated the LA Clippers 129-101 in their most recent meeting prior to the February 2026 clash, led by a dominant offensive performance in November 2025.

What is the current injury status for Franz Wagner?

Franz Wagner is currently out indefinitely with a left ankle injury and did not travel with the team for the current West Coast road trip.

How many times have the Clippers and Magic played each other?

The teams have met a total of 72 times in the regular season. The Clippers hold the historical lead with 39 wins compared to the Magic’s 33.

Where can I watch the highlights of the latest game?

Official highlights, including Anthony Black’s dunks and Desmond Bane’s buzzer-beaters, are available via the NBA’s official website and the Orlando Magic’s digital platforms.