BERLIN — Thursday night marked a celebration for the German-born NBA players as they played a pivotal role in the Orlando Magic’s impressive 118-111 comeback victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. This thrilling contest took place in Berlin, where Magic teammates Franz and Moritz Wagner were born and raised, drawing cheers from thousands of local fans.
Paolo Banchero was a standout performer for Orlando, scoring 26 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. After missing 16 games due to a high-ankle sprain, Franz Wagner made a triumphant return, contributing significantly by scoring 18 points, including 13 crucial points in the fourth quarter, and securing nine rebounds. Moritz Wagner added seven points, while Travis da Silva, hailing from Munich, chipped in with eight points.
“Mentally, there was a lot coming into this week,” Franz reflected on his comeback. “It was a very emotional week… I was happy to make some plays at the end.” His return was particularly heartwarming for the home crowd, filling them with pride as he navigated the challenges of returning from injury.
However, the game was tinged with disappointment as NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed regret that Memphis’ former All-Star Ja Morant was absent from the game. Morant has been sidelined for six consecutive games due to a calf bruise. Although he had hoped to play in Berlin or during the upcoming London game, his absence was felt both by fans and the league. Silver voiced his desire for Morant to participate, particularly highlighting the star’s global appeal and the significance of his presence.
Despite this setback, the Memphis Grizzlies are unlikely to face penalties regarding player participation policies, as Morant’s injury has been properly documented. The focus continues to be on his recovery, especially with a Nike event centered around Morant’s shoe planned for London.
The Wagner brothers not only showcased their skills on the court but also embraced their role as hosts for their teammates throughout the week, sharing insights about their hometown and engaging in local basketball activities with the Alba Berlin youth teams.
In addition to the Wagner brothers’ achievements, former Memphis star Desmond Bane faced his old team for the first time since his trade to Orlando, contributing 13 points to the win. Meanwhile, Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with a strong performance, scoring 30 points.
This event not only highlighted the talent of the players but also the emotional ties to their hometown, showcasing a thrilling example of sportsmanship and community connection within the global stage of the NBA.