World champions delight NBA icon
“And that’s why I love the Wagner Brothers!”
April 28, 2024, 11:23 a.m
Franz Wagner inspires in the NBA – and his brother Moritz. He, in turn, played his way into the heart of legend Shaquille O’Neal. But despite the anthems, the two world champions are not yet satisfied. It shouldn’t stay with two wins in the play-offs.
Moritz Wagner had to slow himself down. Seeing his little brother Franz explode on the big NBA stage did something to the basketball world champion. “I have to go home with him soon, so I’m holding back, I don’t want to exaggerate,” he said: “But that was one of the best games I’ve ever seen from him.”
With 34 points and 13 rebounds, a double-double, Franz Wagner virtually single-handedly dismantled the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Orlando Magic’s 112:89 victory – and ensured the all-important 2-2 equalizer in the first-round series of the game. offs. “He’s unbelievable. His overview, his control over the game, his energy. He distributed the ball and closed it down defensively,” enthused Moritz Wagner.
It was Franz Wagner’s strongest game so far in the brothers’ first play-off appearance. In the first few games, the 22-year-old still lacked the knack of throwing, especially the three-pointer wouldn’t fall – in game four he sank two of three attempts from outside in front of his home crowd. “It’s of course a special feeling, the spectators go crazy with every move. That gives us a boost,” said Franz.
With his aggressive move to the basket, he had already caused problems for Cleveland in game three and opened up space for his teammates; his game even enthralled true NBA legends. “He always makes the right play and is a good one-on-one player,” said Magic icon and TV expert Shaquille O’Neal, who only seems to like one player better – Franz’s brother Moritz.
“We are not satisfied yet”
“Mo Wagner, he’s one of my favorite players in the league. He lets his opponents know that he’s too strong for them,” said the four-time NBA champion. And he’s right. The 27-year-old also contributed to the victory in game four against Cleveland, coming off the bench with seven points, four rebounds and two assists. With his cracking dunks, the center made it into numerous highlight reels during the first round.
With two home wins under their belt, the Wagners travel back to Cleveland for game five on Tuesday evening. Everything seems possible in the best-of-seven series, but it shouldn’t stop at two wins. “We are not satisfied yet,” said Franz Wagner: “We need two more.” This hunger even impresses “Shaq”. “When I follow the play-offs, I look at which players play with the most passion,” said O’Neal: “And that’s why I love the Wagner brothers!”