Orlando Magic edge Mavericks on late dunk, spoil Cooper Flagg's return

Wendell Carter Jr.'s go-ahead slam with 1.4 seconds left lifts Magic over Mavs

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Wendell Carter Jr. made a go-ahead dunk with 1.4 seconds left, and the Orlando Magic beat the Dallas Mavericks 115-114 on Thursday night to spoil Cooper Flagg's return from injury. Flagg, the top pick in the NBA draft and the league's highest-scoring rookie, had missed the previous eight games with a sprained left foot.

Why it matters

Flagg's return was highly anticipated, as he had been putting up impressive numbers before his injury. The close game between the Magic and Mavericks showcases the competitiveness of the NBA and the ability of young stars like Flagg and the Magic's Paolo Banchero to make an impact.

The details

Flagg scored 18 points on 7-of-22 shooting in 26 minutes in his return. The Magic were led by Tristan da Silva's 19 points, while Jalen Suggs had 17 points and 7 assists, and Paolo Banchero recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Klay Thompson scored 24 points off the bench for the Mavericks, including 7 three-pointers.

  • Flagg's three-point play with 37.3 seconds left gave Dallas a four-point lead.
  • Jalen Suggs hit a 3-pointer with 32.2 seconds left to cut the deficit to one.
  • Wendell Carter Jr. made the go-ahead dunk with 1.4 seconds left to give the Magic the win.

The players

Wendell Carter Jr.

The Orlando Magic player who made the game-winning dunk with 1.4 seconds left.

Cooper Flagg

The top pick in the 2026 NBA draft and the league's highest-scoring rookie, who returned from an 8-game absence due to a sprained left foot.

Jalen Suggs

The Orlando Magic player who hit a crucial 3-pointer in the final minute to cut the Mavericks' lead to one.

Paolo Banchero

The Orlando Magic player who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Klay Thompson

The Dallas Mavericks player who scored 24 points off the bench, including 7 three-pointers.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.