PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns secured a thrilling 113-110 double-overtime victory against the Orlando Magic on Saturday, February 21, 2026, thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Jalen Green. The win, played before a home crowd, came despite a challenging game for Green, who struggled with his shooting throughout the contest. This victory follows a recent period of uncertainty for the Suns, compounded by injuries to key players like Devin Booker.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, ultimately requiring two extra periods to determine a winner. After Orlando’s Jalen Carter tied the score with a corner three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds remaining, Green responded with a successful shot from the right corner as the buzzer sounded, sealing the Suns’ victory. ESPN’s game recap details the dramatic finish and the overall flow of the contest.
Grayson Allen Leads Suns in Booker’s Absence
Grayson Allen stepped up for the Suns, leading the team with 27 points in his return after missing four games due to a sprained right ankle. Allen was particularly crucial in the first overtime period, scoring all seven of Phoenix’s points. Collin Gillespie added 19 points, and Green finished with 16 despite his shooting struggles, making only 6 of 26 field goal attempts and 2 of 6 free throws. The Suns were without Devin Booker, who is expected to be sidelined for at least a week with a right hip strain. The team also suffered another injury blow during the game, with Dillon Brooks leaving after just seven minutes with a broken left hand, according to reports from ESPN. An official update on Brooks’ condition is expected on Sunday.
Jordan Goodwin also sustained an apparent leg injury in the fourth quarter, further depleting the Suns’ roster. Oso Ighodaro contributed 11 points and 12 rebounds for Phoenix. The team’s resilience in the face of these injuries was a key factor in their ability to secure the win.
Magic Fall Short Despite Bane’s Strong Performance
Despite the loss, the Orlando Magic put up a strong fight, led by Desmond Bane’s impressive 34-point performance. Bane shot 12-of-18 from the field, but fouled out in the first minute of overtime. Paolo Banchero added 26 points and 14 rebounds for the Magic, who had previously won four of their last five games. Anthony Black’s dunk with 57 seconds left in regulation helped force the game into overtime, but the Magic couldn’t overcome Green’s game-winning shot.
Jalen Suggs was sidelined for the Magic due to back spasms, adding to their challenges on the court. The Magic’s strong showing, even in defeat, demonstrates their potential as a competitive force in the NBA. The team’s ability to challenge a strong opponent like the Suns, even with key players missing, is a positive sign for their future.
Bane’s Leadership Key to Magic’s Response
The Orlando Magic quickly rebounded from the heartbreaking loss to the Suns, securing a 111-109 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Desmond Bane again led the way for Orlando, scoring 36 points on an efficient 13-of-19 shooting performance. Yahoo Sports reports that Bane drew upon lessons learned from a challenging stretch with the Memphis Grizzlies last season to help the Magic avoid a similar emotional slump. He described a “backbreaker” experience with the Grizzlies where consecutive close losses derailed their momentum, and he was determined to prevent that from happening again with Orlando.
Bane’s ability to learn from past experiences and provide leadership in the face of adversity is a valuable asset for the Magic. He finished with 36 points, five rebounds, two steals, and one assist, posting a team-high plus-12 rating. Paolo Banchero contributed 16 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. Recorded a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds. Tristan da Silva added 13 points, and Anthony Black chipped in with 11.
Clippers Fall Short Despite Leonard’s Efforts
Despite a strong performance from Kawhi Leonard, who led the Clippers with a game-high 37 points, the team was unable to secure the win against the Magic. Bennedict Mathurin added 21 points for the Clippers, while Jordan Miller and Brook Lopez each scored 14 and 10 points, respectively. The Clippers had opportunities to tie the game in the final seconds, but Leonard’s attempt fell short, and Mathurin missed a three-pointer at the buzzer. Sports Illustrated details the close contest and the key moments that decided the outcome.
The Magic’s victory over the Clippers marked their first win at the Intuit Dome, after losing their inaugural battle at the venue last season. The win demonstrates the team’s growing confidence and ability to perform on the road against tough opponents.
Key Takeaways
- The Phoenix Suns overcame injuries and a strong opponent to secure a double-overtime victory against the Orlando Magic.
- Jalen Green’s buzzer-beating three-pointer was the decisive moment in the Suns’ win.
- Desmond Bane led the Orlando Magic in both games, demonstrating his leadership and scoring ability.
- The Magic responded to a tough loss with a strong performance against the Los Angeles Clippers.
- Injuries continue to be a concern for both the Suns and the Magic, impacting their rosters, and performance.
The Orlando Magic will next face the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night, while the Phoenix Suns will look to continue their winning streak. The ongoing injuries to key players will undoubtedly continue to shape the narratives of both teams as the NBA season progresses. The Suns will be closely monitoring the condition of Dillon Brooks, with an official update expected on Sunday regarding the severity of his hand injury.
What are your thoughts on these recent NBA matchups? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow basketball fans!