Clippers Shut Down Magic 96-87

The Los Angeles Clippers (43-32) left the Kia Center Monday with a 96-87 win after a horrendous shooting night from the hometown Orlando Magic (36-40). 

Low Scoring Affair

In a bout between two of the league’s top three defenses, under 100 points each may have been par for the course. That said, there has to be some offensive spark to beat a starting rotation as seasoned as the Clippers.

As per usual, outside of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, Orlando lacked this edge.

with 26 points (Paolo Banchero) and 21 points (Franz Wagner) scored vs. LAC…

Banchero and Wagner have now each scored 20+ points in eight straight games, tying for the longest streak by a duo in Magic history and ties for the 2nd-longest in NBA history by a duo age… pic.twitter.com/5QAK3FPQbt

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) April 1, 2025

L.A. threw everything it had at Banchero throughout the night, and it seemingly worked well. Consistent double teaming led to poor passes and forced shots. Banchero was still able to finish with 26 points, but he did it shooting just 34% from the field and a rough 1-8 from three.

In fact, the Clipper’s perimeter defense and quick closeouts turned Orlando’s downtown game plan into more of a hope than an expectation. The team would finish under 26% on three-pointers (7-26).

L.A.’s Stars Have A Night

The Clippers had four players, all in the starting lineup, finish in double-digit scoring. Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell lead the way with 21 apiece and James Harden tacked on 20. The real difference maker was on the glass, though.

Ivica Zubac finished with 18 points and a staggering 20 rebounds. This level of domination on the boards made it impossible for Orlando to get second chance opportunities. It gave Los Angeles plenty. The Clippers won the total rebound battle on the night 47-32. Not the recipe for success if you’re Orlando.

“We had to get this one. We did everything we could.” -Ivica Zubac pic.twitter.com/3yV3q6yxBO

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) April 1, 2025

The Magic defense was actually pretty solid, keeping L,A. quiet from three in their own right. That said, the Clippers simply had more players they could trust to take shots in volume than Orlando. This, of course, dates back to the extended absences of Mo Wagner and Jalen Suggs, and more recently of Cole Anthony.

What Now?

The loss keeps the Magic trapped in 8th place in the Eastern Conference, with just enough room to possibly jump the Atlanta Hawks (36-38) by season’s end for 7th and a better seed in the play in.

That campaign begins Tuesday vs. the Spurs (31-43) at 8 p.m. from San Antonio.