When the NBA playoffs roll around, rivalries heat up and villains are born. For Cleveland Cavaliers fans, German NBA pro Moritz Wagner of the Orlando Magic is the latest antagonist to draw their ire.
Moritz Wagner insulted badly: “I know he’s a Nazi”
The drama occurred in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round, when the Cavaliers were leading the Magic 1-0. Coming off the bench, Wagner played an important role for his team, but it was his emotional actions more than his stats during the game that drew attention.
Wagner’s physical play, including a push on Evan Mobley, was not well received by the Cavaliers and their fans. The incident resulted in a technical foul on Cavs pro Isaac Okoro, who was defending his teammate, and it set the tone for the rest of the game.
The moment was also emblematic of the Cavaliers’ newfound determination not to be defeated – a feeling that had been building since last year’s playoff loss to the New York Knicks.
Cavaliers fans, yearning for a tougher team identity, zeroed in on Wagner. Every touch of the ball by the German was met with boos, a clear sign that the fans had chosen their villain. But it was also a role that Wagner seemed to enjoy, as he played it and tried to unsettle the Cavaliers’ players and fans.
Woman steps after Moritz Wagner
Turning an opposing player into a bogeyman is part of sports, but what some Cleveland fans did on social media with their Nazi statements about Wagner, including his brother Franz, is just disgusting.
Cavaliers fans’ disgusting behavior toward Wagner included an on-field incident. A woman sitting on the sidelines intentionally kicked the German.
2024-04-24 10:31:00
#German #NBA #star #insulted #Nazi #woman #kicks #game
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