Keaton Wagler delivers clutch moment in NBA preseason debut

HONOLULU, HI - OCTOBER 4: Keaton Wagler #1 of the LA Clippers shoots the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors during the 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 4, 2026 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Jay Metzger/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Keaton Wagler’s NBA preseason debut did not go exactly according to plan, but the former Illini guard made sure it ended on a high note.

Wagler made his preseason debut Sunday with the Los Angeles Clippers, helping his new team defeat the Golden State Warriors 104-101 in Hawaii.

The No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft finished with 15 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block in 30 minutes off the bench.

Wagler went just 3-for-15 from the field and 1-for-11 from three-point range. But he stayed aggressive all night and delivered the biggest shot of the game.

With the Clippers trailing 101-100, Wagler created space for himself and knocked down a 19-foot step-back jumper with 14 seconds remaining to give Los Angeles the lead for good.

KEATON WAGLER IN THE CLUTCH.

He puts the Clippers ahead by 1 with 12.8 to go 🍿

Watch the final seconds on NBA League Pass. pic.twitter.com/1V3ybJuL0e

— NBA (@NBA) October 5, 2026

It was a fitting moment for the former Illinois star, who earned Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors and averaged 17.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists during his lone season in Champaign.