The Orlando Magic have suffered a setback in Miami, while the New York Knicks are still doing well – albeit with a drop of bitterness. Will Dennis Schröder have to pack his bags? The NBA on Wednesday morning
Two days after his brilliant performance against the Detroit Pistons, Franz Wagner suffered a setback with the Orlando Magic. Orlando lost 95-121 at Florida rivals Miami Heat and thus suffered its first defeat after three wins in a row. Both teams are now 27-24 in the battle for a playoff spot.
Wagner, who had set his career best against the Pistons with 38 points, had to settle for 13 this time. The 22-year-old hit just five of his 15 shots from the field (1/7 on threes), while brother Moritz was stuck on three points this time. Jimmy Butler was the go-to guy in the decisive phase of the game: With eight of his 23 points within 63 seconds in the middle of the fourth quarter, he allowed the Heat to pull away decisively
17 Hartenstein points in the MSG
Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein and the New York Knicks were only briefly out of step. Three days after losing at home to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Knicks celebrated a 123-113 win against the also understrength Memphis Grizzlies (18-33) at Madison Square Garden. While the Knicks were still without Julius Randle (shoulder) and OG Anunoby (elbow), the visitors were again missing virtually all their key players around the permanently injured Ja Morant. Hartenstein scored 17 points and added eight rebounds. The home side’s best scorer was Donte DiVincenzo with 32 points, while All-Star Jalen Brunson had to leave the game with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter and 27 points on the board.
The win takes New York (33-18) to ten wins from its last eleven games, with only the Lakers stopping the run.
Irving’s return to Brooklyn a success – OKC no longer first in the West
Maximilian Kleber (seven points) had reason to celebrate as the Dallas Mavericks (28-23) claimed a 119-107 away win at the Brooklyn Nets (20-30). Luka Doncic (35 points, 18 rebounds, nine assists) and Kyrie Irving (36 points, including an alley-oop lay-up) kept a firm grip on the reins for the Texans. So for Irving, it was a successful return to his former career station. “It felt like I was home,” said the guard, who was busy signing autographs and posing for selfies after the game.
The Utah Jazz (28-26) put down a marker in the battle for the playoffs and brought top team Oklahoma City Thunder (35-16) to their knees with 124:117. Finland’s Lauri Markkanen was the match winner with 33 points and eleven rebounds, while OKC lost first place in the West to the in-form Los Angeles Clippers (34-15) as a result of the defeat.
Deadline day approaching: Will Schröder move to Minnesota?
US media are linking DBB captain Dennis Schröder with a move to the Minnesota Timberwolves (35-16) – a top team in the Western Conference – shortly before the end of the transfer period. The T-Wolves are in third place after their 123-129 defeat at the Chicago Bulls (24-27) and, according to information from “The Athletic”, are said to be interested in the Braunschweig point guard. The World Championship MVP is expected to give the squad around Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony more depth as a point guard. Schröder has been playing for the Toronto Raptors since this season and has one more season left on his contract. Thursday (local time) is deadline day in North America
