Magic Triumph Over Grizzlies in Germany
Paolo Banchero led the Orlando Magic with 26 points and 13 rebounds while Franz Wagner contributed 18 points and nine rebounds in his return from injury. The Magic secured a 118-111 win against the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA’s first regular-season game held in Germany on Thursday.
Wagner’s Return
Wagner, who had been sidelined for over a month due to a high ankle sprain, made his comeback in his homeland. This marked the first time he played alongside his brother, Moritz Wagner, in more than a year. Moritz, recovering from a torn ACL, scored seven points in 14 minutes during this game.
Grizzlies’ Struggles
For the Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 30 points, while Santi Aldama and Cedric Coward added 18 and 17 points, respectively. Memphis has now lost seven out of its last nine games. Ja Morant sat out due to a right calf injury, but NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed hope that he might return for the next matchup on Sunday in London against the Magic.
Game Highlights
Despite trailing initially, the Magic narrowed the gap to nine points by halftime and surged ahead with a 13-0 run late in the third quarter for an 84-73 lead. Although Memphis briefly retook the lead in the fourth quarter, Wagner tied the game with a three-pointer and positively impacted the closing moments with five points in the final 1:39.
Pistons Edge Suns
In other games, Duncan Robinson scored 19 points, and Jalen Duren contributed 16 points with 18 rebounds as the Detroit Pistons rallied to defeat the Phoenix Suns. Detroit came back from a 16-point deficit and claimed their fourth win in five matches, aided by a critical jumper from Tobias Harris in the fourth quarter.
Celtics Comeback Against Heat
In Miami, Anfernee Simons shined with a season-high 39 points, 18 of which came in the fourth quarter. The Boston Celtics overcame a 19-point deficit to win, outscoring Miami 36-21 in the final quarter. Sam Hauser also played a crucial role with 17 points as Boston secured their second significant comeback of the season.
Thunder and Spurs Victorious
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 points and led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 34-16 fourth-quarter performance against Houston. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama returned from an injury scare in the first quarter to score 22 points and grab 10 rebounds, guiding San Antonio to victory over Milwaukee, who faced their third consecutive loss.
