The Nuggets had a golden opportunity to start their seven-game post-Christmas road trip with a big win in Orlando, but they blew an 11-point fourth quarter lead, falling 1127-126. Denver controlled the game, leading by as many as 17 points after halftime, but they couldn’t put the Magic away and were undone in the final seconds.
One of the biggest and most annoying issues down the stretch was that the Nuggets couldn’t keep the Magic off the free throw line. Orlando was 14-15 from the stripe in the final frame, including 9-9 from Desmond Bane alone.
Four of those free throws came in the final minute of the game as Bane drew multiple fouls, driving past his man and throwing up wild off-balance shots.