The Orlando Magic completed a thrilling comeback victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, winning 118-111 in Berlin. This game marked the first of two NBA Global Games between the teams. The Magic overcame a daunting 20-point deficit, with strong performances from players including Paolo Banchero, who recorded 26 points and 13 rebounds.
The spotlight was particularly on the Wagner brothers, Franz and Moritz Wagner, both of whom hail from Berlin. Franz made a much-anticipated return after missing 16 games due to a high-ankle sprain. Despite showing signs of rust, he scored 13 of his 18 points in the crucial fourth quarter and secured nine rebounds. Moritz, four years older than Franz, contributed seven points to the team’s success.
Franz expressed the emotional weight of returning to his home court. “Mentally, there was a lot coming into this week,” he stated. “Working back from an injury is never easy, and then it was this game. It was a very emotional week… I was happy to make some plays at the end.” His performance delighted the local fans, who filled the arena to support their homegrown talent.
Morant’s Absence Overshadows Game
While the Wagner brothers basked in the homecoming, the absence of Grizzlies’ star Ja Morant loomed large. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed disappointment over Morant’s absence, citing his significant global following. Morant has been sidelined for six consecutive games due to a minor calf bruise. Earlier this week, he had indicated hopes of playing in either the Berlin game or the upcoming match in London.
Silver acknowledged the impact of Morant’s absence, stating, “He has a tremendous following globally and I wish he were able to play tonight. I still am holding out hope he’ll be able to play when we are in London on Sunday.” The Grizzlies are not expected to face penalties for Morant’s exclusion, as the league cannot dictate the recovery timeline for injured players.
Morant’s situation has been compounded by trade rumors, as the Grizzlies continue to explore options ahead of the February 5 deadline. His name has been circulating in discussions, despite his injury having occurred before these reports emerged.
Local Roots and Memorable Performances
Both Franz and Moritz Wagner grew up in Berlin, where they honed their skills in the youth program of Alba Berlin. They became the youngest players to compete for Alba’s professional team before transitioning to the University of Michigan and subsequently joining the NBA. This connection to their roots added a layer of significance to their performance in front of a hometown crowd.
Franz had not played since suffering his injury against the New York Knicks on December 7, 2023. This match also marked Desmond Bane‘s first game against his former team since his trade to Orlando last summer. Bane added 13 points, enhancing the Magic’s lineup.
Jaren Jackson Jr., a standout for the Grizzlies, led his team with 30 points but could not prevent the loss. The contest showcased the excitement of NBA basketball on an international stage, with fans eagerly supporting their local heroes while also feeling the absence of a marquee player.
As the teams prepare for their next matchup in London, the momentum from this game could prove pivotal for both franchises. The Magic will look to build on their victory, while the Grizzlies hope to welcome back Morant and regain their competitive edge.
