Despite a good scoring performance from Franz Wagner, the Orlando Magic narrowly lost out to the Golden State Warriors. Ja Morant decided the duel with Victor Wembanyama in his favor. The NBA on Wednesday morning
Wagner’s good performance in San Francisco – with 25 points, the world champion was the second-best scorer for the visitors behind Paolo Banchero (27, twelve rebounds) – was not enough to take home a win from California. The Orlando Magic lost 115-121 after a close game for a long time and slipped to a 19-14 record. The Golden State Warriors (16-17) were able to rely on Stephen Curry, who scored 36 points, including four threes. Moritz Wagner came off the bench for the Magic to score twelve points and grab five rebounds.
OKC sets another scent mark
In a top game, the surprisingly strong Oklahoma City Thunder (23-9) also defeated the Boston Celtics (26-7) and celebrated their fifth win in a row. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (36, seven assists) led the way in the 127-123 victory. OKC is now already second in the Western Conference and, after the Minnesota Timberwolves, has also beaten the Celtics, the second leaders, and the Denver Nuggets, the champions, twice. “This is a talented young team,” said Boston’s center Kristaps Porzingis after the game. The Latvian was the visitors’ outstanding player with 34 points and ten rebounds.
Grizzlies on the rise
Two young protagonists of the league met in Tennessee: The Memphis Grizzlies around returnee Ja Morant had Victor Wembanyama and his San Antonio Spurs as guests. The home side won 106:98, Morant – himself only 1.88 meters tall – won the duel with top rookie “Wemby” on points (26:20) and once even spectacularly stuffed the 2.24 meter tall Frenchman. The Grizzlies are 11-22 after a few wins with Morant on the court, while San Antonio remains stuck deep in the Western Conference basement (5-28).