In an overtime thriller, basketball world champions Franz and Moritz Wagner suffered their next setback with the Orlando Magic.
The team from Florida lost the open exchange of blows with the Sacramento Kings 135:138 and suffered their third defeat in a row in the North American professional league NBA.
The decision in favor of the hosts was only made after ten minutes of extra time. Franz Wagner had to be replaced early with an injury.
Franz Wagner collapsed after just five minutes of play when he tried to block an opponent’s attempted throw and only managed six points in five minutes of play. The Magic announced during the game that X-rays had ruled out a serious injury, but Wagner did not return.
So far, the 22-year-old has played in all 34 games of the Magic season. His brother Moritz didn’t get past two points. The Magic’s best thrower was Paolo Banchero with 43 points.
World Cup heroes continue on the road to success
Dennis Schröder and the Toronto Raptors, on the other hand, continue to be in good form in the new year. In their second game of 2024, the world champion team celebrated their second victory with a 116:111 win against the Memphis Grizzlies; Schröder contributed 16 points, five assists and seven rebounds to the success. The playoff places still remain a long way away for the Raptors.
Better placed in the West are Daniel Theis and the Los Angeles Clippers, who consolidated their position in the top group with their fourth win in a row. The Californians won 131:122 against the Phoenix Suns; in 20 minutes, Theis had six points, one assist and three rebounds.
Isaiah Hartenstein impressed with ten points and a strong 20 rebounds in his New York Knicks’ victory; the team from the “Big Apple” beat the Chicago Bulls 116:100.
The Dallas Mavericks were also successful without Maximilian Kleber. In the 126:97 win against the Portland Trail Blazers, Luka Doncic was once again the outstanding player with 41 points, while Kyrie Irving also scored 29 points.