The Wagners land eye-catchers
German world champions successfully stroll through the NBA
November 23, 2023, 8:55 a.m
Things are going really well for the German NBA professionals on Wednesday. The four world champions all win with their teams. Dennis Schröder and Franz Wagner score decisive points. During David Theis’ success against Spurs, the hosts’ coach took the microphone. It does not help.
Exclamation point from the Wagner brothers against the champions, third win in the third game for Daniel Theis and a strong Dennis Schröder: The German basketball world champions had an exceptionally successful NBA game day. Franz and Moritz Wagner scored a real eye-catcher with their 124:119 win against the Denver Nuggets. Franz Wagner scored 27 points as the Magic’s top scorer, his brother Moritz had 12.
Orlando made up a nine-point deficit in the final quarter and achieved its tenth win of the season after five defeats. The win against the Nuggets was the fifth in a row. A triple-double from superstar Nikola Jokić with 30 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists didn’t help Denver either.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors around DBB captain Schröder celebrated their seventh win of the season. The playmaker scored 26 points in the 132:131 away win at the Indiana Pacers. Only Pascal Siakam scored better for the Canadians with 36 points.
Spurs coach Popovich rages against his own fans
Schröder’s national team colleague Theis also achieved the next victory. With the 109:102 win over the San Antonio Spurs, the German center remained unbeaten in the third game for his new NBA club Los Angeles Clippers. In 20 minutes of playing time, Theis had eight points, eleven rebounds and four assists. Young star Victor Wembanyama (22 points), however, had to accept the Spurs’ twelfth defeat of the season and their tenth defeat in a row.
Popovich makes his way to the microphone.
(Photo: AP)
This came about in a rather strange way: NBA coaching legend Gregg Popovich had criticized the fans of the San Antonio Spurs for their behavior and in response heard even more boos against his former player Kawhi Leonard. In the Spurs’ game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the home fans booed and insulted Leonard and the other professionals of the opponent around world champion Daniel Theis.
During a free throw for Leonard, who called for a farewell from the Spurs in 2018 and has since gotten through to the fans downstairs, Popovich grabbed the indoor microphone and said: “Can we stop booing and let these guys play? Have a little class . That’s not who we are. Stop booing.”
After a brief moment of calm, the Spurs fans booed even louder than before. Leonhard finished the game with 26 points, more than any other professional. Ultimately, he was only spurred on by the provocations, Popovich said after the defeat.