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Franz Wagner in the top game against Boston Celtics
Photo: John Raoux / dpa
The basketball world champions Moritz and Franz Wagner (Orlando Magic) once again showed a strong performance in the NBA top game against the Boston Celtics. In the 113-96 victory, Moritz Wagner was the best scorer of the game with 27 points and narrowly missed his personal NBA record of 30 points. His brother Franz, who is four years younger, also impressed with 17 points, while Paolo Banchero contributed 23 points.
A combination of "energy and focus" is an essential factor for success, said Moritz Wagner: "If we play smart, we can beat anyone in this league. It's fun to play for each other." The team has done a "really good job" so far this season.
Boston still ahead of Orlando
Thanks in part to the strong pair of brothers, Orlando is currently the team of the hour in the NBA alongside the Oklahoma Thunder with six wins in a row. In the Eastern Conference, only record champion Boston (12-4) currently has a better record than Orlando (11-5).
With Orlando's victory, the Toronto Raptors around national team captain Dennis Schröder now have no chance of advancing in the newly introduced NBA In-Season Tournament. The Canadiens' 121-108 win over the Chicago Bulls did not change that, it was the first success in the competition at the third attempt. Schroeder had 17 points and five assists.
Theis suffers first loss to the Clippers
Daniel Theis suffered his first defeat in his fourth appearance for the Los Angeles Clippers a week after his transfer. The hosts lost 106-116 to the New Orleans Pelicans and Theis, who went to L.A. from the Indiana Pacers, scored three points. The game's top scorers were Zion Williamson with 32 points for the Pelicans and Paul George with 34 points for the Clippers.
Isaiah Hartenstein and the New York Knicks came back from a 21-point deficit to win 100-98 against the Miami Heat.
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