Basketball world champions Moritz and Franz Wagner led the Orlando Magic to victory in the NBA’s top game against the Boston Celtics.
At 113:96, Moritz Wagner was the best scorer of the game with 27 points and just missed his personal NBA record of 30 points. His brother Franz, who is four years younger, also impressed with 15 points.
A combination of “energy and focus” is an essential factor for success, said Moritz Wagner: “If we play smart, we can beat anyone in this league. It’s fun to play for each other.” The team has done a “really good job” so far this season.
Thanks to the strong brother pair, Orlando is currently the team of the moment in the NBA alongside the Oklahoma Thunder with six wins in a row. In the Eastern Conference, only record champion Boston (12:4) currently has a better record than Orlando (11:5).
As a result of Orlando’s victory, the Toronto Raptors around national team captain Dennis Schröder no longer have a chance of advancing in the NBA’s newly introduced In-Season Tournament. The Canadians’ 121:108 win over the Chicago Bulls didn’t change that; it was their first success in the competition at the third attempt. Schröder had 17 points and five assists.
Daniel Theis suffered his first defeat in his fourth appearance for the Los Angeles Clippers a week after moving to the Californian metropolis. The hosts lost to the New Orleans Pelicans 106:116. Theis, who moved to LA from the Indiana Pacers, scored three points. Isaiah Hartenstein and the New York Knicks won 100:98 against the Miami Heat after a 21-point deficit.