The Orlando Magic won game three in the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Detroit Pistons. That was also due to Franz Wagner.
Franz Wagner simply let the pressure roll off him. The comfortable 17-point lead against the favorite Detroit Pistons was lost – so what? The world and European champion demanded the ball in crunch time, first scoring from half-distance and then following up with a successful three-pointer.
With less than two minutes to go in the third game of the first round of the playoffs, the Orlando Magic were back ahead 109:105 – and never gave up the lead. “That was a big moment,” Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley praised the Berliner’s decisive actions in the 113:105 victory. “Wagic Win”, punned Orlando Magic at X.
A victory that makes Orlando dream
In the best-of-seven series, the Magic now lead 2-1 against Detroit, the best team in the Eastern Conference in the regular season. On Tuesday (02:00 a.m. CEST) Orlando can improve again at home. Wagner scored 17 points and continued to approach his best form after his long-term ankle injury.
“We have to stay focused and make fewer mistakes,” said the 24-year-old forward. “With this approach, we’ll hopefully get to four wins as quickly as possible. But as soon as you look too far ahead, you’re not as focused as you could be.”
Pistons as a suitable opponent?
The humility seems appropriate since Orlando last made it to the second round of the playoffs 16 years ago. And yet this time the opportunity seems favorable; Wagner and his teammates celebrated two wins in four duels with the Pistons during the regular season.
Germany’s basketball idol Dirk Nowitzki also said the Florida franchise had good chances. “They really got a good match-up with Detroit. That would be great if they could steal a few more games,” the former MVP said after the Magic’s first win.
Tristan da Silva without points
Now only two more are needed. It will depend on Franz Wagner and co-stars Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane, who each contributed 25 points on Saturday.
The other German Magic professionals don’t play a big role at the moment: Franz Wagner’s older brother Moritz didn’t play, Tristan da Silva was on the floor for eight minutes and didn’t score any points.
