In the highly anticipated NBA highlight in the capital, Franz and Moritz Wagner secured the victory – all under the eyes of high-ranking German celebrities.
In the end, it turned into Franz Wagner festivities, with almost 14,000 fans in Berlin celebrating their local hero with “MVP, MVP” chants.
In their highly anticipated home game highlight, Franz and Moritz Wagner, despite some initial difficulties with the Orlando Magic, secured the hopes-for victory. Led by the world champions, the team from Florida won the first regular NBA game on German soil against the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday with 118:111 (58:67).
Franz Wagner scored 18 points in his comeback at the sold-out Berlin Uber Arena, his brother Moritz added seven points in his second game after his ACL tear, and Tristan da Silva, the third German in a Magic jersey, scored eight points.
Everything Revolves Around the Wagner Brothers
Orlando’s top scorer, however, in their second consecutive victory after weeks of ups and downs, was star player Paolo Banchero (26).
Even before the game, everything revolved primarily around the “homecoming” of the Wagner brothers. The famous sons of Berlin, who themselves had bought over 200 tickets for friends and family, had completed a true interview marathon since landing on Monday. Numerous charity events, a visit to the Brandenburg Gate, and fan interactions were also on the agenda.
The most important news then came on Thursday afternoon: Franz Wagner had recovered from the ankle sprain he suffered in early December and was able to celebrate his return precisely in his hometown.
Franz Wagner Plays from the Start
“What’s up, Berlin! The last few days here have been unforgettable. We still can’t believe we’re here. Let’s make it loud today,” the 24-year-old shouted to the spectators before tip-off.
After a colorful warm-up program with much fanfare, in which German basketball icons Detlef Schrempf and Dirk Nowitzki also hyped up the audience, Franz Wagner was directly in the starting five for his comeback.
Before the eyes of the 2014 world champions Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels, as well as Jürgen Klopp, he pushed for his first points but initially played unluckily. After almost five minutes in the first quarter, the young star initially made way for da Silva.
Shortly after, when Moritz Wagner entered the game to great cheers, Orlando had already fallen considerably behind. The Grizzlies, who shot excellently from the three-point line, pulled away with a 15:2 run.
Orlando Trailing at Halftime
All three Germans finished the opening quarter with zero points; Overall, Orlando struggled tremendously offensively at the start. It wasn’t until the beginning of the second quarter that Franz Wagner relieved the fans with his first points via a floater; Moritz immediately followed with a three-pointer.
Nevertheless, the Wagners continued to search for their rhythm throughout the rest of the first half, while da Silva made the arena cheer with an alley-oop dunk. Orlando went into halftime trailing by nine points.
After the hip-hop halftime show by Berlin rapper Luciano, Franz Wagner set the tone for the comeback with a converted three-pointer; Orlando then drew closer and closer – and took the lead in the middle of the third quarter thanks to a 13:0 run and also important points from Moritz Wagner.
In the final quarter, Franz Wagner thrilled the crowds with a long three-pointer; a little later, the 13,738 spectators joyfully belted out the popular song “Country Roads,” which had already become a hit at NFL football games in Germany. Towards the end, Memphis caught up again, creating a highly exciting final phase in which Franz Wagner shone multiple times.