Orlando Magic are playing big
German world champion brothers celebrate a double special victory
April 26, 2024, 6:21 a.m
For the first time ever, the German basketball professionals Franz and Moritz Wagner are playing a playoff series in the NBA, and now they achieve their first victory in the third game. It is so clear that it is almost club historic. It’s the end of a long wait for Orlando Magic fans.
Franz and Moritz Wagner celebrated their first taste of success in their play-off debut in the NBA. The world champions and Orlando Magic won the third round of 16 against the Cleveland Cavaliers at home with 121:83 and averted a quick exit in the professional basketball league. After the two opening defeats, the team from Florida shortened the best-of-seven series to 1:2; it was Orlando’s first home win in the play-offs since 2011.
As usual, Franz Wagner was in the starting five and had 16 points, five rebounds and eight assists. His older brother Moritz managed two points and six rebounds in just under 18 minutes. The Magic’s match winner was Paolo Banchero with 31 points and 14 rebounds. The 38-point difference was the third-largest margin in a playoff game in Magic history.
Nothing has been won with the victory, the fourth game of the series is scheduled for Saturday. “Nobody’s partying,” said Banchero, who didn’t lose a single ball in 29 minutes after making 15 errors in the first two games. “We know we have to do the same on Saturday. Of course we are proud of the win tonight. It’s important for this group to get our first playoff win, but we want to win the whole series.”
Meanwhile, German center Isaiah Hartenstein suffered his first defeat in the play-offs with the New York Knicks. The Knicks lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 114-125, but are still up 2-1 in the best-of-seven series. Hartenstein’s 14 points and four rebounds, as well as 39 points from Jalen Brunson, were not enough, as Joel Embiid scored 50 points on the other side.