basketball
NBA: Clippers win again, Orlando weakens without Wagner
Daniel Theis (2nd from right) tries to defend a throw from Ziaire Williams. photo
© Brandon Dill/FR171250 AP/AP
The Los Angeles Clippers with Daniel Theis are currently a top team in the NBA. In contrast, the Orlando Magic, who started the season strongly, have been weakening since Franz Wagner’s injury at the latest.
The Los Angeles Clippers have in the NBA demonstrated its strong form. The team led by German basketball world champion Daniel Theis won 128:119 (65:53) against the recently strong Memphis Grizzlies. For the Clippers it was the eighth win from the last nine games, the team from Los Angeles improved to fourth place in the Western Conference.
In Memphis, the Clippers took the lead and control in the second quarter and didn’t relinquish it until the end. Theis came off the bench as usual and contributed to the strong team performance with seven points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals and three blocks. The Clippers’ best thrower was Paul George with 37 points. The Grizzlies, plagued by many failures, will have to do without Ja Morant for the rest of the season. The All-Star, who was suspended for the first 25 games of the season for weapons violations, required shoulder surgery.
Moritz Wagner strong – brother Franz is missing
The Orlando Magic lost to the Miami Heat 96:99. It was the fifth loss in the last seven games for the Florida team. Moritz Wagner showed a strong performance with 19 points, five rebounds and four assists. His brother Franz Wagner missed the fourth game due to an ankle injury. After a strong start to the season, Orlando has now slipped to eighth place in the Eastern Conference.
Miami’s victory was a special one. It was only the seventh this NBA season for a team to finish under 100 points. Like Wagner in Orlando, the Heat were also missing key offensive players in Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry and Tyler Herro.
There is still little going on at the Toronto Raptors. The team led by national team captain Dennis Schröder lost to the Utah Jazz by a score of 113:145. After their third defeat in a row, the team from Canada is further behind the play-in places. Schröder came off the bench and had twelve points and four assists.