German basketball star contributed 24 points to his team’s victory. Ariel Hukporti also has reason to celebrate with his New York Knicks.
Basketball European champion Franz Wagner started the new NBA season successfully with Orlando Magic.
The Berlin native showed good form right from the season opener, contributing 24 points to the 125:121 home victory against Miami Heat. His national team colleague Tristan da Silva also impressed with 16 points for the ambitious Florida team.
Franz Wagner in game against Miami
“We have good character in the team, a good mentality. That showed. But at the end of the day, we want to perform better throughout the entire game,” said Wagner, who together with Paolo Banchero (also 24) was his team’s top scorer: “But you don’t play every game perfectly. That’s why it’s good to take the win.”
His brother Moritz Wagner continues rehabilitation training after a cruciate ligament tear. Orlando has two more home games coming up in the next three days.
German center Ariel Hukporti also started the new season of the North American professional basketball league victoriously with the New York Knicks. In the 119:111 win against Cleveland Cavaliers, the 23-year-old recorded two points and five rebounds.