By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Orlando Magic’s playoff push faced a significant hurdle on Wednesday as they fell 130-101 to the Atlanta Hawks, despite the long-awaited return of German star Franz Wagner to the Kia Center.
The 24-year-old forward, who has battled a persistent left high ankle sprain that sidelined him for 47 of the team’s last 51 games in the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season, started for Jamahl Mosley’s squad and tallied 12 points, two assists, and one rebound in 20 minutes.
His journey back has been arduous. After a stellar start to the season where he averaged 23.4 points and 6.2 rebounds, he suffered the injury in his 24th game. He admitted to previously rushing his recovery to play in his home country of Germany in mid-January, which led to a subsequent setback in February that ruled him out indefinitely.
Reflecting on the mental toll of his absence during a postgame press conference, Wagner noted, “Being hurt sucks, obviously. Not being able to do what you love, and rehab can be pretty tough and boring at the same time. So, it can be taxing on the mind, and at the same time, you don’t get the chance to prove yourself out there.”
Despite the frustration, the Berlin native remained optimistic about his 20-minute stint against Atlanta, adding, “It’s definitely an adjustment, and it’s gonna be, I think, part of the process, but it felt good to be out there.”
The game shifted during the second quarter, when the visitors exploded for 47 points. “I don’t think we’re moving the ball really well, more stagnant possessions, a couple of turnovers,” Wagner remarked regarding the defensive lapse.
Fellow German option for the Magic, Tristan da Silva, impressed with nine points and six assists in 23 minutes, while Georgia’s Goga Bitadze contributed four points and five rebounds before a Flagrant 2 foul on Jock Landale led to his fourth-quarter ejection. German center Moritz Wagner added two points in limited action, and France’s Noah Penda recorded two assists.
On the winning side, French reserve Zaccharie Risacher provided a versatile spark, finishing with four points, three rebounds, one block, and one steal.
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