basketball
NBA: Orlando with Wagner brothers on course for the playoffs
Orlando’s Franz Wagner scored 21 points against the New York Knicks. photo
© Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP/dpa
Thanks to a German world champion duo, the Orlando Magic can dream of the NBA playoffs again for the first time since 2020. There is a debacle for Schröder and the Brooklyn Nets.
In the duel between the playoff contenders, Franz Wagner had 21 points, his brother Moritz had 10. Orlando’s Paolo Banchero was outstanding with 36 points. The Knicks are still missing German center Isaiah Hartenstein due to an Achilles tendon injury.
Defeat for Schröder and the Raptors
For world champion captain Dennis Schröder and the Brooklyn Nets, however, things didn’t work out at all. The Braunschweiger’s new team was outclassed by the best team in the league at 86:136 (32:68) against the Boston Celtics. The second defeat in a row has worsened the Nets’ playoff prospects. Schröder was in the starting lineup for the first time, but only managed four points in a completely disappointing team.
Without the injured Maxi Kleber, the Dallas Mavericks won 116:93 (56:51) against the San Antonio Spurs and have taken a big step towards the playoffs after their sixth success in a row. Kyrie Irving (31 points) and Luka Doncic (27) scored best for the Texans. At Spurs, rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama was once again the most successful thrower with 26 points.
Center Daniel Theis also did not play in the Los Angeles Clippers’ 130:125 (52:59) win over the Golden State Warriors. The Clippers turned the match around with a strong final section (44:28). 41 points from superstar Stephen Curry were not enough for the hosts.