Orlando Magic Defeats Memphis Grizzlies in NBA’s First Regular-Season Game in Germany
The Orlando Magic defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 118-111 on Thursday in Berlin, marking the NBA’s first regular-season game in Germany and a landmark moment for international basketball. The contest was played at Uber Arena before fans from 62 countries, with more than 250,000 people attempting to secure tickets.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 26 points and 13 rebounds, while Anthony Black contributed 21 points in the victory. Franz Wagner added 18 points and nine rebounds in his return to the lineup after missing 16 games with a high ankle sprain.
For the Memphis Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. posted a team-high 30 points, though it wasn’t enough to overcome the Magic’s second-half surge. Santi Aldama chipped in 18 points and Cedric Coward added 17 for Memphis, which has lost seven of its last nine games. Ja Morant remained sidelined with a right calf injury, though NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed optimism about his availability for Sunday’s rematch in London.
Homecoming Moment for Wagner Brothers and Da Silva
The Berlin matchup held special significance for the Magic’s international contingent. Franz and Moritz Wagner, both natives of the German capital, played in their hometown for the first time as NBA players. “To have the Orlando Magic and the NBA play a regular-season game in our hometown of Berlin means everything to us,” the brothers said in a statement. “Growing up here, we dreamed of moments like this.”
Tristan da Silva, who also hails from Germany, was greeted by fans who traveled from Bavaria specifically to watch the game, underscoring the sport’s growing appeal across Europe.
Star-Studded Attendance and Second-Half Comeback
The event drew notable figures from German sports, including soccer stars Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels courtside, alongside legendary basketball Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki. The matchup also showcased the NBA’s international reach—this season features a record 135 international players, including 71 from Europe.
The Grizzlies dominated early, leading 52-32 midway through the second quarter, but the Magic chipped away before halftime. Orlando ignited a decisive 13-0 run late in the third quarter for an 84-73 lead. Memphis rallied to take a 105-102 advantage with 4:05 remaining, but Wagner’s clutch three-pointer tied the contest, and the Magic closed strong to secure the victory.
Looking Ahead: London Matchup
The two teams face off again on Sunday in London at The O2, continuing the NBA’s European showcase. The Magic improved to 3-1 in their last four games, while the Grizzlies seek to bounce back in the second leg of their historic transatlantic journey.
