Competitive Game Yanic Konan Niederhäuser (right) in a duel with Orlando’s Jett Howard. Keystone/AP Photo/Etienne Laurent

Clippers’ Late Lead Slipped Away

The Los Angeles Clippers briefly held a lead late in the fourth quarter, 105-101, against the Orlando Magic, but ultimately fell short as Orlando mounted a final surge to win 111-109.

Niederhäuser Contributes Seven Points, Key Block

NBA rookie Yanic Konan Niederhäuser contributed seven points in the contest. He nearly secured a victory for the Clippers with a crucial block of Orlando’s Desmond Bane, who led the Magic with 36 points, with just eight seconds remaining. However, Bennedict Mathurin’s ensuing three-point attempt for the win missed as time expired.

Clippers’ Playoff Outlook

With 25 regular season games remaining, the Clippers currently hold the 10th seed in the Western Conference, the final play-in tournament qualifying position. They trail a direct playoff spot by eight games.

Niederhäuser gelangen sieben Punkte. Beinahe wäre der 22-jährige Freiburger zum Matchwinner avanciert.