The Orlando Magic, featuring Berlin natives Franz and Moritz Wagner, won the first regular NBA season game in Germany against the Memphis Grizzlies 118:111. The brothers, recently recovered from injuries, scored points in the sold-out Uber Arena before 13,738 fans. The event celebrated German-American basketball friendship with celebrities and NBA promotion.
On Thursday evening, the first regular NBA season game in Germany took place at Berlin's Uber Arena. The Orlando Magic defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 118:111 (58:67 at halftime). The Grizzlies started strong, leading 39:23 without star Ja Morant. The Magic, with the Wagner brothers and Tristan da Silva, turned the game around after halftime. Franz Wagner scored 18 points in his comeback after a six-week ankle injury, Moritz Wagner tallied seven points in his second game following an ACL tear 386 days prior. Da Silva added eight points. The arena was sold out with 13,738 spectators, including basketball legends Dirk Nowitzki and Detlef Schrempf, as well as soccer stars Jürgen Klopp, Thomas Müller, and Mats Hummels. Singer Melody Thornton performed the US anthem, met with whistles and cheers, and rapper Luciano performed at halftime. Franz Wagner rallied the fans: 'One request: Make it really loud today.' Moritz Wagner said: 'I still can't believe it, you are the best. Not just from Berlin, but fans from all over Germany came here.' Da Silva added: 'Berlin, you tore it up completely.' The Wagner brothers, from Prenzlauer Berg, enjoyed their home game 8,000 kilometers from Orlando and showed teammates around Berlin, including döner and visits to the Brandenburg Gate. The NBA used the event to promote a planned European league; 450,000 people registered for tickets in Berlin and London. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver spoke of a 'golden era' for German basketball. The league will return to Berlin in 2028, possibly with a local club in NBA Europe.
