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Orlando despite Knicks defeat in the quarterfinals
“All-Star” Wagner on advancing in the NBA Cup: “Feels strange”
Franz Wagner reached the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup with the Orlando Magic despite a defeat against the New York Knicks. In the 106:121 on Wednesday night, the German basketball star scored a strong 30 points and once again underlined his status as a key figure in the team.
It was the sixth game this season in which Wagner recorded more than 30 points. “Franz continues to make it clear that he is an all-star,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley praised the 2023 world champion after the game. “There’s not much more to say in that regard – he proves it on the court.” Brother Moritz also confirmed his good form in New York: he achieved a double-double with 20 points and twelve rebounds off the bench.
Although the Magic lost to the Knicks, the point difference from the previous games was enough to qualify for the quarterfinals as a wild card team. “Of course it feels strange after a game like that, but that’s part of the format,” said Wagner.
Orlando Magic: “Couldn’t find a rhythm”
Despite Wagner’s strong individual performance, Orlando revealed weaknesses, especially in defense. “We didn’t play with our usual commitment and physicality in defense,” explained Wagner. “They got into their rhythm and we never found ours offensively.”
In the quarterfinals, the Magic will now face the Milwaukee Bucks – one of the top teams in the league. The quarterfinals will take place on December 11th.
