Carter’s Late Dunk Lifts Magic Past Mavericks as Flagg Returns from Injury

Key Takeaways:

• Orlando Magic overcame Dallas Mavericks 115-114 with Wendell Carter Jr.’s decisive dunk with 1.4 seconds remaining
• Cooper Flagg returned from injury, tallying 18 points, five rebounds, six assists, and four blocks, becoming the third player since the 1976 NBA-ABA merger to reach 1,000 points, 300 rebounds, and 200 assists in his first 50 career games according to ESPN Insights
• Klay Thompson scored 24 points off the bench, sinking seven 3-pointers, but the Mavericks suffered their 15th defeat in 17 matches

Match Analysis

The Orlando Magic secured a dramatic 115-114 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night at home, courtesy of Wendell Carter Jr.’s last-gasp dunk with just 1.4 seconds left on the clock. The Mavericks, leading by four following a Cooper Flagg three-point play with 37.3 seconds to play, were on the brink of victory. However, the Magic responded assertively—Jalen Suggs knocked down a 3-pointer with 32.2 seconds to go, and then, after Flagg’s missed jumper, served up an assist to Carter for the game-winning slam in the paint, spoiling Flagg’s much-anticipated return after injury.

WAGIC WIN 🪄 pic.twitter.com/sckQpYCQLE

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 6, 2026

Player Performance and Milestones

Tristan da Silva topped Orlando’s scoring chart with 19 points. Jalen Suggs contributed 17 points and seven assists, while Paolo Banchero recorded a double-double, posting 16 points alongside 12 rebounds. Carter’s 15 points included the match-winning basket during the dying seconds.

Cooper Flagg returned to Dallas’ line-up after missing eight games due to a sprained left foot, playing 26 minutes and contributing 18 points on 7-of-22 shooting. Flagg also added five rebounds, six assists, and four blocked shots. His opening field goal of the fourth period lifted him to 1,000 points for his career in just his 50th game. As highlighted by ESPN Insights, the 19-year-old is now one of only three players since the NBA-ABA merger to register at least 1,000 points, 300 rebounds, and 200 assists across their first 50 games, joining Michael Jordan and Luka Doncic.

Mavericks’ Contributions and Recent Form

Klay Thompson came off the bench to deliver 24 points, including seven successful shots from beyond the arc for Dallas. Khris Middleton finished the contest with 19 points, 10 of which he scored in the final quarter. Despite these efforts, the Mavericks’ recent difficulties continued, as they fell to their 15th loss in their last 17 outings.

Brandon Williams was absent for the Mavericks because of a left quad contusion.

Looking Ahead

The Dallas Mavericks will next travel to face Boston on Friday, while the Orlando Magic are set to visit Minnesota on Saturday.