Magic Steal the Show in Berlin 118-111 Behind Wagner Brothers’ Emotional Homecoming

The atmosphere inside Uber Arena felt less like a regular-season basketball game and more like a national holiday. For the first time in NBA history, a regular-season game tipped off in Germany, and the script couldn’t have been written any better for the local heroes.

On a night charged with emotion and history, the Orlando Magic overcame a sluggish start and a 20-point deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 118-111. While the box score will highlight Paolo Banchero’s dominance, the story of the night was undeniably the return of Franz Wagner, who shook off the rust of a month-long injury absence to deliver in the clutch on his home soil.

A Homecoming to Remember for the Magic

For Franz and Moritz Wagner, Thursday wasn’t just another spot on the schedule. It was a reunion. Franz, sidelined since December with a high ankle sprain, and Moritz, who recently returned from a torn ACL, shared the court for the first time in over a year. The Berlin crowd greeted every touch by the Berlin natives with a roar, but for the first 18 minutes of gameplay, the Magic looked like a team suffering from significant jet lag.

Memphis, despite being without superstar Ja Morant, came out swinging. Jaren Jackson Jr. was a nightmare matchup early on, punishing Orlando inside and out on his way to a game-high 30 points. When the Grizzlies pushed their lead to 52-32 midway through the second quarter, the festive atmosphere threatened to turn into a blowout disappointment.

But this young Magic squad has developed a reputation for resilience, and they refused to fold on the international stage.

Banchero and Black Spark the Comeback

While the narrative belonged to the Wagners, the heavy lifting was done by Paolo Banchero. The All-Star forward was the stabilizing force Orlando desperately needed when the shots weren’t falling early. Banchero bullied his way to 26 points and 13 rebounds, acting as the battering ram that slowly chipped away at the Memphis lead.

He wasn’t alone. Anthony Black played arguably one of the best games of his young career, pouring in 21 points. Black provided the highlight of the night—and perhaps the season—with a ferocious dunk over four Grizzlies defenders that seemed to shift the entire energy of the building. Even Moritz Wagner admitted post-game that he was “jealous” of the burst Black showed on the play. That specific play ignited a fire under the Magic, who closed the half strong and then exploded for a 13-0 run in the third quarter to take control.

Franz Wagner Delivers in Crunch Time

The Grizzlies didn’t go quietly. A late layup by GG Jackson put Memphis back on top 105-102 with just over four minutes remaining, silencing the Berlin crowd momentarily.

That’s when Franz Wagner took over.

Visibly finding his rhythm as the game wore on, Franz stepped up when his team needed him most. He drilled a game-tying three-pointer that nearly blew the roof off the arena. Moments later, he scored five points in the final 1:39 to seal the victory. He finished with 18 points and nine rebounds—a remarkable stat line considering his long layoff and the immense pressure of performing in front of his home country.

“That’s the mental work he puts in,” Magic coach Jamahl Mosley said of Franz’s composure down the stretch.

What This Win Means for the Magic

This victory moves Orlando to 23-18, solidifying their spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. But beyond the standings, the Berlin game proved that this team has the maturity to handle distractions and hostile environments—even when that “hostile” environment is cheering for them.

The defense tightened up significantly in the second half, holding Memphis to just 12 points in the third quarter. That defensive intensity, paired with the offensive versatility of Banchero and the Wagner brothers, makes the Magic a dangerous matchup for anyone.

The European tour isn’t over yet. Both teams will pack their bags and head to London for a rematch on Sunday. If Thursday’s thriller in Berlin was any indication, fans across the pond are in for a treat. For now, though, the night belongs to Berlin, the Wagners, and a Magic team that proved they can perform when the lights are brightest.