The Orlando Magic staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 118-111 in the NBA's first regular-season game in Germany. Playing at Uber Arena in Berlin, the Magic overcame a 20-point deficit, fueled by strong performances from Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The win improves Orlando's record to 23-18, while Memphis falls to 17-23.
On January 15, 2026, the Uber Arena in Berlin hosted the NBA's inaugural regular-season game in Germany, pitting the Orlando Magic against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies jumped to a commanding 52-32 lead midway through the second quarter, but the Magic chipped away, trailing by nine at halftime. Orlando then unleashed a 13-0 run late in the third quarter to take an 84-73 advantage.
Memphis mounted a late rally, regaining the lead at 105-102 with 4:05 remaining on a layup by GG Jackson. However, Franz Wagner, returning from a high ankle sprain that sidelined him since December 7, tied the game with a three-pointer and added five crucial points in the final 1:39 to seal the 118-111 victory. Wagner, a Berlin native, finished with 18 points and nine rebounds, playing alongside his brother Moritz for the first time in over a year. Moritz, back from a torn ACL suffered on December 21, 2024, contributed seven points in 14 minutes.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 26 points and 13 rebounds, while Anthony Black added 21 points. For the Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 30 points, Santi Aldama tallied 18, GG Jackson had 15, and Desmond Bane, facing his former team after an offseason trade to Orlando, managed 13. Ja Morant sat out with a right calf injury sustained since January 2, though NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed optimism about his availability for the rematch in London on Sunday.
The game drew fans from 62 countries, with over 250,000 ticket registrations. It marks a milestone in the NBA's global expansion, following preseason and exhibition games in Germany dating back to 1984. The teams, now heading to London for another international matchup, showcased the league's growing European footprint amid records of 135 international players this season.
