Franz Wagner led the Orlando Magic to their first win after four consecutive defeats. Against the Sacramento Kings, the Berlin-born player was once again the standout performer and played a key role in helping the Magic secure another victory.
In addition to the long-term absentees Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, Tristan da Silva (calf strain) was also sidelined in the Californian capital, meaning there were just eleven players on the team sheet, including two two-way players. However, it was enough to secure the win in Sacramento, as the remaining key players performed well enough. Franz Wagner deserves a special mention here; he had to play for just under 38 minutes, scoring 33 points (11/23 FG), seven rebounds and seven assists.
The Berlin native was supported by Anthony Black (26 points) and Desmond Bane (15), whilst for the Kings, rookie Darius Acuff Jr. (29, 10/21 FG) and Zach LaVine (31, 10/16 FG, 6/9 three-pointers) put up a strong fight. Former All-Star Domantas Sabonis, by contrast, failed to score in 24 minutes (0/2 FG, 2 rebounds, 5 assists) and watched the closing stages from the bench.
After a bit of a slow start, the visitors got off to a good start. Wagner found ways into the zone and, after just a few minutes, the Magic had built a double-digit lead. The first dip in form came at the start of the second quarter, when the Berlin side took a breather. Missed three-pointers and turnovers brought Sacramento back into the game. Acuff and LaVine were the catalysts for an 11–1 run. Once again, it was Wagner who took control and capped off a 17–3 run with his first three-pointer (52–43).
Magic edge past opponents in lacklustre fashion
However, the Magic were unable to pull away, not even in the third quarter. Although Wagner scored the first six points here with drives to the basket, LaVine continued to be on fire for the hosts. Another small run by the Magic followed, but this time it was Acuff, with seven points in a row, who kept the hosts in the game. The Magic went into the final quarter leading 84–76.
It was then Black who, with a few good plays, gave the Magic their biggest lead of the evening so far (+14); shortly afterwards, Wagner sealed his next 30-point game with an and-1. For the Kings, almost everything went through Acuff, but the rookie couldn’t do it all on his own. It took LaVine, who narrowed the gap to 98–103 with two three-pointers in a row, but Wagner grabbed the rebound after his own missed shot and converted the two free throws to seal the win with 20 seconds remaining.
The Magic will wrap up their short West Coast trip in Salt Lake City tonight, whilst the Kings won’t host the Portland Trail Blazers until in three days’ time. With their third win of the season, Orlando jump to eleventh place in the East, whilst the Kings (1-10) remain bottom of the Western Conference.