Orlando is falling short of expectations with Wagner. Dennis Schröder also requires patience.
22 points from Franz Wagner are not enough: The Orlando Magic continue to struggle in the NBA. The team, including the world and European champion, suffered their fourth consecutive loss in the North American professional basketball league with a 116:135 defeat against the Detroit Pistons.
The Sacramento Kings, led by national team captain Dennis Schröder, have the same winning record of only one season win after a 113:126 loss to the undefeated Chicago Bulls, in which Schröder scored five points.
The Magic are clearly falling short of their own expectations. “It’s not the first game of the short season where we come off the court feeling we didn’t play as hard as we could,” said a frustrated Wagner: “That’s unacceptable.” It’s about increasing effort and discipline and quickly turning frustration into energy.
Even before the latest loss, there were initial discussions about Orlando’s direction, which recently extended the contract with German European champion Tristan da Silva early until 2027 via an option. Da Silva impressed again with 15 points, and in the absence of Moritz Wagner, star player Paolo Banchero was once again the top scorer – but it was clearly not enough.