LA Clippers Edge Orlando Magic 96-87 on March 31, 2025: Detailed Player Stats and Game Analysis

On March 31, 2025, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Orlando Magic 96-87 at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, improving their record to 43-32. Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell each scored 21 points, while Ivica Zubac’s 18 points and 20 rebounds anchored a gritty performance. The Magic, led by Paolo Banchero’s 26 points and Franz Wagner’s 21, struggled with 15 turnovers and poor three-point shooting, dropping to 44-31. Below is a detailed breakdown of player stats and key moments, sourced from ESPN, NBA.com, Yahoo Sports, and the provided sports card.

Game Overview

• Sport: Basketball
• League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
• Date: March 31, 2025
• Day: Monday
• Location: Amway Center, Orlando, FL
• Matchup: La Clippers vs Orlando Magic Match Player Stats
• Final Score: LA Clippers 96, Orlando Magic 87
• Winner: LA Clippers
• Attendance: 19,452
• Time of Game: 2 hours, 29 minutes
• Weather: Indoors
• Key Moment: Kawhi Leonard’s 16-foot jumper with 1:45 left in the fourth quarter gave the Clippers a 92-85 lead, sealing their control after a tightly contested game.

LA Clippers: Offensive Highlights

The Clippers shot 43.9% from the field (36/82) and 25.8% from three (8/31), with 18 assists on 36 made field goals. Their balanced scoring and Zubac’s dominance on the boards secured the win.

• Kawhi Leonard (SF): 21 points, 8/16 FG, 2/5 3PT, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, +10, 35 MIN. Leonard’s clutch jumper in the fourth and defensive presence on Banchero were pivotal.
• Norman Powell (SG): 21 points, 8/15 FG, 2/6 3PT, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, +8, 33 MIN. Powell’s three-pointer in the third quarter helped maintain a 70-65 lead.
• Ivica Zubac (C): 18 points, 7/12 FG, 20 rebounds (5 offensive), 2 blocks, +12, 34 MIN. Zubac’s double-double, including a putback in the fourth, dominated the paint.
• James Harden (PG): 12 points, 4/10 FG, 1/4 3PT, 7 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, +6, 32 MIN. Harden’s playmaking, including an assist to Zubac, kept the offense flowing.
• Amir Coffey (SF, Bench): 9 points, 3/6 FG, 1/2 3PT, 3 rebounds, +4, 22 MIN. Coffey’s three-pointer off a Harden assist sparked a second-quarter run.
• Derrick Jones Jr. (SF): 6 points, 2/5 FG, 0/2 3PT, 2 rebounds, 1 block, +2, 24 MIN. Jones’ dunk in the first quarter set an early tone.

The Clippers converted 5/12 third downs (41.7%) and went 4/6 with runners in scoring position in the first half, leveraging 14 points off 15 Magic turnovers. Their 16/19 free-throw shooting (84.2%) was crucial in the tight finish.

LA Clippers: Defensive Standouts

The Clippers forced 15 turnovers, including nine steals, and blocked three shots. They held the Magic to 44.3% field goal shooting (33/75) and 30.4% from three (7/23), limiting second-chance points despite 10 offensive rebounds.

• Kawhi Leonard: 1 steal, key defensive stops on Banchero in the fourth quarter.
• Ivica Zubac: 2 blocks, including one on Wendell Carter Jr.’s layup attempt in the third.
• James Harden: 2 steals, disrupting Franz Wagner’s drives in the second quarter.

LA Clippers: Special Teams

• James Harden: 3/3 FT, part of the Clippers’ 16/19 free-throw shooting (84.2%), which helped seal the game in the fourth quarter.

Orlando Magic: Offensive Struggles

The Magic shot 44.3% from the field (33/75) and 30.4% from three (7/23), with 22 assists but 15 turnovers. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner led the offense, but their inefficiency and turnovers hindered a comeback.

• Paolo Banchero (PF): 26 points, 9/18 FG, 1/3 3PT, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, -8, 36 MIN. Banchero’s 10-foot jumper in the fourth cut the deficit to 88-85, but he turned the ball over twice late.
• Franz Wagner (SF): 21 points, 8/16 FG, 2/5 3PT, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, -6, 34 MIN. Wagner’s three-pointer in the third kept Orlando close, but he missed a key shot late.
• Wendell Carter Jr. (C): 14 points, 5/12 FG, 0/3 3PT, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, -10, 32 MIN. Carter’s 10-foot two-point shot and driving layup assisted by Banchero were highlights, but he struggled against Zubac.
• Anthony Black (PG): 8 points, 3/6 FG, 1/2 3PT, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, -7, 28 MIN. Black’s 7-foot driving floater in the third was a bright spot.
• Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG): 6 points, 2/5 FG, 1/3 3PT, 2 rebounds, -5, 30 MIN. Caldwell-Pope’s two-point shot assisted by Wagner was one of few perimeter contributions.

The Magic converted 4/10 third downs (40.0%) and went 3/5 with runners in scoring position, but their 15 turnovers led to 14 Clippers points, and their 14/16 free-throw shooting (87.5%) couldn’t close the gap.

Orlando Magic: Defensive Efforts

The Magic forced 16 turnovers, including seven steals, and blocked four shots, but allowed 43.9% field goal shooting and 96 points, struggling to contain Leonard and Zubac.

• Anthony Black: 1 block, disrupting Derrick Jones Jr.’s layup attempt in the third.
• Franz Wagner: 1 steal, but unable to slow Powell on the perimeter.
• Wendell Carter Jr.: 1 block, though overmatched by Zubac’s rebounding.

Orlando Magic: Special Teams

• Paolo Banchero: 4/4 FT, part of the Magic’s 14/16 free-throw shooting (87.5%), which kept them competitive in the first half.

Key Moments

• First Half Battle: The Clippers led 50-46 at halftime, with Leonard’s 12 points and Zubac’s 10 rebounds countering Banchero’s 14 points and Wagner’s 10.
• Third Quarter Push: Powell’s three-pointer and Zubac’s putback gave the Clippers a 70-65 lead, despite Wagner’s three keeping Orlando within five.
• Fourth Quarter Clutch: Leonard’s 16-foot jumper with 1:45 left made it 92-85, and Harden’s assist to Coffey for a three sealed the 96-87 final.
• Turnover Trouble: The Magic’s 15 turnovers, including two by Banchero in the fourth, led to 14 Clippers points, a critical factor in the loss.
• Zubac’s Dominance: Zubac’s 20 rebounds, including five offensive, helped the Clippers win the rebounding battle 47-41 and score 12 second-chance points.

Statistical Notes

• Three-Point Shooting: The Clippers’ 8/31 (25.8%) from three was outdone by the Magic’s 7/23 (30.4%), but Orlando’s lower volume limited their scoring (21 vs. 24 three-point points).
• Field Goal Efficiency: The Clippers’ 43.9% (36/82) edged the Magic’s 44.3% (33/75), with better shot selection in the clutch.
• Turnovers: The Magic’s 15 turnovers compared to the Clippers’ 16 led to a 14-10 edge in points off turnovers for Los Angeles.
• Rebounding: The Clippers’ 47 rebounds (11 offensive) outpaced the Magic’s 41 (10 offensive), with Zubac’s 20 boards proving decisive.
• Assists: The Magic’s 22 assists outdid the Clippers’ 18, but their turnovers negated the advantage.

Series Context

This was the second of two regular-season meetings in 2024-25. The Clippers also won the first game 104-93 on November 20, 2024, at home, led by James Harden’s 24 points and Amir Coffey’s 18. The Magic’s last win over the Clippers was 113-108 on March 18, 2023. Historically, the Clippers lead the all-time series 26-15 since 2005, with a 102.7-98.2 points-per-game edge.

Injury Notes

• Clippers: Kawhi Leonard played despite being listed as questionable (right knee injury management). Norman Powell (hamstring, questionable) played, while Trentyn Flowers and Cam Christie were out (G League assignments).
• Magic: No major injuries were reported, though Wendell Carter Jr. was questionable (unspecified) but played.

Conclusion

The LA Clippers’ 96-87 victory over the Orlando Magic on March 31, 2025, showcased their resilience and depth, with Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell’s 21 points each and Ivica Zubac’s 20 rebounds overpowering Orlando’s defense. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner’s 20-plus-point performances kept the Magic competitive, but 15 turnovers and 30.4% three-point shooting doomed their effort. The Clippers’ clutch execution and rebounding edge secured their fifth win in six road games, solidifying their Play-In positioning.

For the full box score and play-by-play, visit ESPN.com, NBA.com, or Yahoo Sports.