The Orlando Magic are at a loss for words following Monday night’s 129-127 loss at the American Airlines Center to the Dallas Mavericks.

Down the stretch, the Magic were once again involved in a close contest. Dallas, leading by three points with 3.6 seconds remaining, decided to intentionally foul Paolo Banchero. Banchero failed to make his second free throw, and the rebound was seized by Franz Wagner. Although he managed to attempt a lengthy three-point attempt, it ultimately failed to penetrate the rim.

The Magic were red-hot at the outset of the game, which was in no way reflected in the close conclusion. After a solid finish in Sunday’s victory over the Phoenix Suns, Orlando maintained its early-half momentum by accumulating 78 points in the first two quarters. 

The Magic held a 16-point advantage on the strength of Banchero and newcomer Anthony Black’s productive shooting. Although Banchero recorded a team-high 36 points, Black contributed 20 off the bench. 

Nevertheless, the Magic’s advantage was entirely erased in the third quarter by the Mavs’ storming comeback. In the frame, Luka Doncic spearheaded the charge with 12 of his game-high 45 points.

The Magic is not unfamiliar with this terrain. As a youthful squad, the team has encountered challenges with leads on numerous occasions this year; such is the natural progression of the program. However, as the season progresses and the semifinals become more imminent, the gravity of these blown leads only intensifies.

The Magic travel to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night in an attempt to regain the winning streak. The scheduled time of tipoff is 8 p.m. ET.