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Franz Wagner (r.) defends against Luka Dončić

Photo: Tony Gutierrez / AP

In the case of the Dallas Mavericks, neither the total of 37 points from Franz and Moritz Wagner nor the 16-point lead at halftime were enough for the Orlando Magic to win the NBA. On Monday evening, basketball superstar Luka Dončić once again excelled at Dallas with 45 points.

After Orlando was comfortably ahead after the first half, Dallas came back and ensured an exciting final quarter. It went back and forth and the lead changed nine times. Shortly before the end, Franz Wagner had the chance to give Orlando an away win with a three-point throw from a long distance. The final siren sounded, but the ball only hit the ring.

Franz Wanger scored 21 points, his older brother Moritz scored 16 points. In addition to his 45 points, Dončić also had 15 assists and nine rebounds. Tim Hardaway Jr. also played a big role in turning the game around for the Mavericks in the second half with 36 points and eight rebounds. German Dallas player Maxi Kleber converted a free throw, it was his only point in the game.

Hartenstein wins, Theis loses

Isaiah Hartenstein won 113:92 with the New York Knicks against the Charlotte Hornets. In the second game after his comeback, he recorded ten points, four rebounds and one assist, as well as three steals. The Knicks have moved up to fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

Meanwhile, world champion Daniel Theis and the Los Angeles Clippers lost 108:118 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The national player had no points in his 17 minutes of playing time, but had four rebounds and five assists.

$15,000 fine for kicking a ball

NBA professional D'Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers has to pay a fine of $15,000 because he kicked a basketball into the audience while he was ecstatic. The league announced this on Monday. On Saturday evening, Russell kicked a short throw from Stephen Curry after the final siren and the basketball flew in a high arc towards the fans after the score was 145:144. The Lakers won the game against the Golden State Warriors after double overtime.

mlb/dpa/sid/Reuters