After a consecutive defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers, brothers Franz and Moritz Wagner are on the brink of elimination in their NBA playoff debut with the Orlando Magic. Meanwhile, Isaiah Hartenstein helps the Knicks advance, and LeBron James’ Lakers reel from a buzzer-beater loss.
Despite full effort and highlight plays, the Wagner brothers and the Orlando Magic are facing a swift exit in the NBA playoffs. The German World Champions lost the second game of their first-round series to the Cavaliers, with a score of 86-96, putting them under pressure before their first home game on Friday night.
Moritz Wagner was notably involved in a courtside incident during the final quarter, where his aggressive play for the ball resulted in a minor injury to an elderly fan’s arm. In the same quarter, Wagner outmaneuvered his opponent Jarrett Allen and followed with a dunk that became the highlight of the game.
Starting Strong
Franz Wagner, a regular in the starting lineup, contributed 18 points and seven rebounds. His older brother Moritz added 12 points and six rebounds. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 21 points, while the Cavs leaned on “Spida” Donovan Mitchell, who scored 23 points.
“We’re playing well defensively, but we need to score a bit more,” Franz Wagner stated after the loss. He noted that the Cavaliers had outperformed them in rebounding in both games. The series now shifts to Orlando, with the Berlin native looking forward to playing at home.
NBA Playoffs: Hartenstein and Knicks Eyeing Quarterfinals
Isaiah Hartenstein and the New York Knicks are on a path to the quarterfinals after a dramatic finish against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks overcame a late five-point deficit to win 104-101, now leading the series 2-0 like Cleveland.
With 47 seconds left, the Knicks were trailing 96-101, but Jalen Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo turned the game around with two three-pointers. OG Anunoby sealed the victory with two successful free throws.
Brunson topped the scoring for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden with 24 points, while the Sixers fell short despite strong performances from Tyrese Maxey (35) and league MVP Joel Embiid (34).
Buzzer Beater Shocks LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers, led by superstar LeBron James, nearly upset the defending champions Denver Nuggets but ultimately fell 99-101 to a buzzer-beater by Jamal Murray. The Lakers, led by top scorer Anthony Davis with 32 points, had at one point a 20-point lead (68-48), but now trail 0-2 in the series.
So far, no road team has won in any of the eight playoff series, with all favorites leading their matches without a loss.
