By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Wrapping up a back-to-back with a fifth straight win in the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season was the task completed by the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. Franz Wagner registered a team-high 27 points opposite the Denver Nuggets in Amway Center.
The German forward tallied 24 of his points in the second half. His efforts included multiple brilliant plays against the defense of Nikola Jokic.
“Once I get in that lane, it is really just reading and reacting. The big guys, it is always harder for them to stop when they are already going in one direction,” he commented on the matchup with the Serbian superstar.
Resuming action on Thursday, the Magic stay at home and face the league-leading Boston Celtics. “We got to make sure we keep that up,” said Wagner on looking to extend the winning streak, “Keep building on what we have been doing.”
In the 2022-23 Regular Season, his side ended up with a 34-48 record and fell shy of postseason action. Currently sitting second in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing only the Celtics, paints a different picture.
“We have been through a lot, at least in the last two years that I have been here. A lot of lessons,” mentioned Wagner, “Throughout the time, we had a great vibe in the gym. Everybody likes each other. It is as simple as that.”
Wagner, 22, is averaging 19.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.3 blocks per contest.
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