Key Takeaways:
- Paolo Banchero contributed 26 points and 13 rebounds to secure Orlando Magic’s 118-111 victory over Memphis Grizzlies in Berlin
- Franz Wagner made his return from injury with 18 points and nine rebounds, playing alongside Moritz Wagner, who had seven points in 14 minutes
- The NBA marked its first ever regular-season game in Germany before a global audience, with tickets purchased by fans from 62 countries
Historic NBA Regular-Season Debut in Germany
The NBA reached a milestone on Thursday by staging its inaugural regular-season match in Germany, where the Orlando Magic overcame the Memphis Grizzlies 118-111 in Berlin. The event drew worldwide interest, with over 250,000 fans registering for tickets via the NBA’s website and sales spanning 62 countries, according to the league.
WAGIC WIN🪄 pic.twitter.com/kn9vNW0rUb
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 15, 2026
Magic Overcome Early Deficit to Secure Victory
Memphis appeared set for dominance after building a 52-32 advantage midway through the second quarter. However, Orlando responded by narrowing the gap to nine points by half-time, followed by a decisive 13-0 surge late in the third quarter to seize an 84-73 lead.
Although the Grizzlies briefly retook the lead at 105-102 with 4:05 on the clock courtesy of GG Jackson’s layup, Franz Wagner forced a tie with a three-pointer and drove the Magic’s late charge, registering five points in the final 1:39.
Standout Performances and Notable Returns
Paolo Banchero delivered a commanding display with 26 points and 13 rebounds. Franz Wagner, returning after more than a month’s absence due to a high ankle sprain, added 18 points and nine rebounds on home soil. He was reunited on-court with his sibling Moritz Wagner, playing alongside him for the first time in over a year after Moritz recovered from a left ACL tear sustained on 21 December 2024. Moritz Wagner finished with seven points in 14 minutes.
Anthony Black provided further impetus for the Magic by scoring 21 points, as Orlando secured its third win in four outings.
For Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. led the team with 30 points, Santi Aldama scored 18, and Cedric Coward contributed 17. Ja Morant was absent due to a right calf injury, although NBA Commissioner Adam Silver indicated some optimism about Morant’s potential return when the teams meet again in London on Sunday.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paolo Banchero | Orlando Magic | 26 | 13 | 4 |
| Franz Wagner | Orlando Magic | 18 | 9 | 2 |
| Moritz Wagner | Orlando Magic | 7 | 4 | 0 |
| Anthony Black | Orlando Magic | 21 | 6 | 7 |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | Memphis Grizzlies | 30 | 3 | 1 |
| Santi Aldama | Memphis Grizzlies | 18 | 5 | 1 |
| Cedric Coward | Memphis Grizzlies | 17 | 3 | 2 |
NBA’s Global Growth Reflected in Berlin
The return of an official NBA fixture to Germany comes forty years after its first pre-season exhibition in what was then West Germany in 1984, when only 10 international players featured in the league. The 2025-26 season began with a record 135 international players, including 71 from Europe, underlining basketball’s expanding global profile.
The Magic and Grizzlies are now set to continue their European roadshow by travelling to London for another regular-season contest on Sunday.
