Back home in Germany, Franz Wagner powered the Orlando Magic to a gutsy 20-point comeback win against the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA’s first-ever regular-season game in the country.
Back home where it all began, Franz Wagner made sure to deliver when it mattered the most.
Wagner unloaded 13 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter to power the Orlando Magic's stirring 118–111 comeback win over the Memphis Grizzlies in the first NBA game ever played in Germany on Friday, January 16 (PH time).
Suiting up for the first time in over a month after a high ankle sprain, Wagner made his comeback even more meaningful by sharing the floor with brother Moritz.
Memphis refused to go quietly, regaining a 105–102 edge on a GG Jackson layup with just over four minutes remaining.
That’s when Wagner took over—knocking down a tying triple and calmly guiding Orlando home by scoring five of the Magic’s final points.
The Grizzlies leaned on Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 30-point effort, alongside Santi Aldama’s 18 and Cedric Coward’s 17, but continued to struggle without Ja Morant, who missed his sixth straight game due to a right calf injury.
Orlando improved to 23–18, while Memphis slipped to 17–23.
Both teams will meet again on Sunday, January 18 (PH time).
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.