On January 15, 2026, the NBA witnessed a thrilling match in Berlin, Germany, as the Orlando Magic faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies. The game ended with a score of 118-111, marking a significant moment in NBA history as it was the first regular-season game played in Germany. The Magic's star players, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, showcased their skills, with Banchero scoring 26 points and 13 rebounds, and Wagner contributing 18 points and nine rebounds. This was Wagner's return to the lineup after missing over a month due to a high ankle sprain, and it was made even more special by the presence of his brother, Moritz Wagner, who had recently returned from a left ACL tear. Moritz Wagner played 14 minutes, scoring seven points.
The Grizzlies, led by Jaren Jackson Jr. (30 points), Santi Aldama (18 points), and Cedric Coward (17 points), put up a strong fight. However, the absence of Ja Morant due to a right calf injury was a significant setback for the team. Despite this, the Grizzlies managed to take a 52-32 lead in the second quarter. The Magic, however, demonstrated their resilience, narrowing the gap to nine points by halftime and then going on a 13-0 run in the third quarter to take an 84-73 lead. The Grizzlies fought back, and with GG Jackson's layup, they took a 105-102 lead with 4:05 left in the game. But the Magic's Franz Wagner tied the game with a 3-pointer, and he then sealed the victory with five points in the final 1:39.
This game held historical significance as it marked the NBA's first regular-season game in Germany, dating back to 1984 when there were 10 international players on NBA rosters. This season, the NBA saw a record-breaking 135 international players, with 71 from Europe. The game attracted fans from 62 countries, and over 250,000 people registered on the league's site to obtain tickets. The teams will now travel to London for their next meeting, with the NBA Commissioner expressing optimism about Ja Morant's potential return.
The game's outcome and the historical context of the event make it a memorable one, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in the NBA's global journey.
