The Los Angeles Clippers' winning streak of nine games came to an abrupt halt against the Oklahoma City Thunder, particularly due to the absence of their star Kawhi Leonhard. The Thunder's standout player, Chet Holmgren, amplified the disappointment for the Clippers with a powerhouse dunk, securing the game with a score of 115-134.
Theis, the team's leader, managed to score from both of his attempts but had a less-than-stellar night with only four points, a rebound, and a single block. In contrast, his national teammates Moritz Wagner and Franz Wagner delivered commendable performances, but their efforts fell short as the Orlando Magic succumbed to a loss against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Magic's downfall was strongly tied to their struggle with long-range shots, hitting only 8 out of 33 attempts. Franz Wagner, maintaining an impressive 20 points, acknowledged the team's collective struggle, stating, "We played the right way, but we have to hit the shots and that just wasn't enough today."
Although Moritz Wagner, with 21 points off the bench, demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience, he too shared in the team's disheartening defeat. Adopting a level-headed approach, Moritz expressed, "Sometimes the ball just doesn't bounce your way. You have to accept that and not let it affect you."
Despite the losses, both the Wagner brothers remain undeterred, focusing on transformation and optimism for the team's future. Moritz, now out for the season due to an injury, highlighted the team's youthfulness, assuring that, "everything will be fine."
As for Franz Wagner, his impressive performance continued, averaging 26.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game, even in games against formidable three-point defenses. His adaptability and resilience in the face of pressure have significantly contributed to the Magic's recent successes.
