Magic complete comeback against Grizzlies in Berlin

Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel on Jan 15, 2026

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It was a historic night Thursday as the Magic and Grizzlies took part in the NBA‘s first regular-season contest in Berlin, Germany.

Memphis, however, worked its best to rain on the parade that was the return of Franz Wagner, Tristan da Silva and Moe Wagner to their home country.

The Grizzlies led by as many as 20 points in the first half, but Magic coach Jamahl Mosley‘s squad locked in on the defensive end to mount a major comeback against the Western Conference foe.

After allowing 39 points in the first quarter, Orlando gave up only 40 points in the next two combined and utilized a big third-quarter swing to capture a 118-111 victory over the Grizzlies inside Uber Arena.

Although the Magic gave up 19 points off 16 turnovers, they scored 24 points off 16 takeaways while holding a 54-37 advantage on the glass, including 19-7 on offensive boards.

The win was Orlando’s second in a row, marking the first time the team had won consecutive contests since Nov. 28-Dec 1. The group’s 20-point deficit against Memphis (17-23) is the team’s largest deficit overcome this season.

The Magic (23-18) face the Grizzlies again on Sunday in London.

Paolo Banchero paced the Magic with 26 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and four steals.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 30 points.

Welcome back, Franz

Franz Wagner missed the last 16 games because of a left high ankle sprain and the Magic went 8-8.

Starting alongside Anthony Black (21 points), Banchero, Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter Jr., Wagner appeared a step behind at times, shooting 2 for 10 from the floor over the first three frames, which was to be expected after missing more than a month.

Wagner, however, bounced back late as he scored 13 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter while shooting 4 for 6. He added nine rebounds and two assists in 27 minutes.

He and his older brother, Moe (seven points), unsurprisingly received the loudest cheers from those inside Uber Arena throughout the afternoon.

Banchero ballin’

Banchero carried Orlando’s offense in the first half as he shot 4 for 6 from 3-point range for 18 points, including a 3-pointer near the end of the second quarter that cut his team’s deficit to nine points at the half.

Difference from distance

Memphis came out firing from beyond the arc and hardly missed early. The Grizzlies shot 9 for 14 (64.2%) from 3-point range in the opening frame as they took a 16-point lead after 12 minutes.

Memphis shot shot 8 for 22 (36.3%) over the course of the final three quarters.

Orlando shot 15 for 40 (38%) from distance for the game.

Bane’s impact

Thursday’s game also marked the first time Bane faced the Grizzlies, a franchise with which he spent the first five years of his career prior to this summer’s trade between Memphis and Orlando.

Bane drove early and often to the basket, scoring 13 points in 34 minutes, but shot 1 for 5 from 3-point range. The Magic guard added four rebounds and five assists.

Familiar face

Of course when the Magic acquired Bane, they sent over Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony (who’s now with the Bucks) and four future first-round picks.

Caldwell-Pope, who entered the game shooting 35.6% from 3-point range, was scoreless in 14 minutes, missing three 3-pointers with two rebounds and two assists.

Rookie watch

Magic second-round pick Noah Penda entered halfway through the first quarter and was a part of Orlando’s rotation throughout the game.

The French forward hit a 3-pointer late in the first quarter to finish with nine points, five rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes.