Orlando Magic beats Kings in final seconds despite career night from Nemanja Bjelica
Nemanja Bjelica had a career night, De’Aaron Fox nearly posted a triple-double and Marvin Bagley III impressed in his return from injury, but none of that was enough for the shorthanded Kings.
Nikola Vucevic had 26 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic to a dramatic 114-112 victory over the Kings on Monday night at Golden 1 Center. Orlando escaped with the win following a three-point play by Aaron Gordon with 1.1 seconds remaining.
Evan Fournier scored 25 points for the Magic (19-21). Gordon had 19 points and nine rebounds.
Bjelica had career highs of 34 points and eight 3-point goals for the Kings (15-25). Fox finished with 31 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds. Bagley, who missed the previous eight games with a sprained foot, had 18 points and six rebounds.
The Kings jumped out to an early lead, but they couldn’t maintain it. The Magic mounted a 9-2 run late in the first quarter and carried a 33-25 lead into the second period. The Kings only trailed by five following a pull-up jumper by Fox with 3:04 to play in the opening half, but they were outscored 12-0 over the next 2:02 as Orlando opened up a 17-point advantage.
The Kings trailed by 13 at the half. They got back into the game after Buddy Hield, Bjelica and Fox hit a series of 3-pointers to cut the deficit to four early in the third quarter. Orlando briefly reestablished a double-digit lead, but the Kings rallied once more to get within one going into the fourth quarter, bringing the fans to their feet.
Orlando led by seven with 1:17 remaining, but the Kings got a 3-pointer from Bjelica, a driving layup by Fox and then a three-point play by Fox to take a 112-111 lead with 15.8 seconds to play. The Kings did a nice job defensively on Orlando’s final possession, but Fournier found Gordon inside as time was running out. Gordon got the basket and drew a foul for a three-point play.
Sacramento had a chance to win the game at the buzzer, but Harrison Barnes missed a tip attempt on an inbound pass from Fox as time expired.
Injury list
Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic missed his fifth game in a row due to right ankle soreness. Center Richaun Holmes missed his third game with right shoulder soreness.
The team has not said when Bogdanovic is expected to return, but Kings coach Luke Walton said his level of activity indicates he is getting closer. Bogdanovic was seen performing stationary shooting drills following Saturday’s practice. He went through a full workout before Monday’s game, showing much normal elevation on his jumper.
The Kings announced on Saturday that an MRI revealed an injury to Holmes’ right shoulder joint, saying Holmes will be reevaluated in two to three weeks.
New home for Fultz
Former No. 1 draft pick Markelle Fultz has found a home in Orlando after struggling in his first two NBA seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Fultz appeared in only 33 games over two seasons with the 76ers, shooting 41.4 percent from the field and 26.7 percent from 3-point range. There was widespread speculation as to whether Fultz’s struggles were physical or psychological, but he was eventually diagnosed with a shoulder injury.
The Magic gave Fultz time to heal after acquiring him in a trade in February. He has appeared in 39 of Orlando’s first 40 games this season, averaging 11.4 points, 4.5 assists and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 45.6 percent from the field.
“It’s good to see him out there again,” Kings coach Luke Walton said. “He’s a heck of a young player and to see him starting to have success again, I’m happy for him.”
Fultz had 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting against the Kings.
Injury report
Magic: OUT — Michael Carter-Williams (shoulder), Al-Farouq Aminu (knee); Jonathan Isaac (knee).
Kings: OUT — Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle); Richaun Holmes (shoulder).
Kings upcoming schedule
Jan. 15 vs. Dallas Mavericks
Jan. 18 at Utah, 6 p.m.
Jan. 20 at Miami, 2 p.m.
Jan. 22 at Detroit, 4 p.m.
Jan. 24 at Chicago, 5 p.m.
