Even without the injured basketball world champion Franz Wagner, the Orlando Magic have impressively stopped their downward slide of the past few days in the North American professional league NBA.
The team from Florida won against the reigning champions Denver Nuggets 122:120, celebrating their first win after three defeats in a row. Franz Wagner (22) was unable to take part due to a sprained ankle that he suffered in a game with the Sacramento Kings a few days earlier.
Instead, he saw his brother Moritz, who was four years older, step into the breach. He showed a strong performance with 19 points and eleven rebounds. However, Wagner was dominated by top star Paolo Banchero, who achieved a so-called triple-double with 32 points, eleven assists and ten rebounds.
It was also Banchero who scored the decisive basket nine seconds before the end of the game to win the Magic. With 20 wins and 15 defeats, Orlando continues to have its sights set on the playoffs this season.
Setback for Toronto
National team captain Dennis Schröder and the Toronto Raptors are currently a bit away from a possible participation in the final round. The Canadians lost their guest game at the Sacramento Kings 130:135 and suffered another setback after two wins in a row. Schröder was not in the starting lineup, but still played 32 minutes and contributed 18 points.
Clippers continue to rise
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks around Isaiah Hartenstein had reason to celebrate. The Knicks celebrated a surprisingly clear 128:92 victory over the top team Philadelphia 76ers. Hartenstein scored 17 points for the guests, who took the edge off the 76ers with their squad depth. While seven players at New York scored in double figures, at Philadelphia only a trio around top star Joel Embiid (30 points) managed to do so.
For the Los Angeles Clippers around Daniel Theis, things are still going up. The 111:95 win at the New Orleans Pelicans was the fifth win in a row, and 14 of the last 16 games were won. Theis only played a supporting role with 17 minutes of playing time and two points, while Paul George was the Clippers’ best player with 24 points.