Magic’s defeat in the playoffs against the Celtics doesn't faze Franz Wagner, who pledges future success.
Game Over for the Magic Against Celtics
The Orlando Magic's 2024-25 playoff journey drew to a close in Game 5 against the Boston Celtics, with a crushing 120-89 loss. Despite the bitter taste of defeat, forward Franz Wagner expressed a positive outlook for the future.
Leading Orlando in scoring with a commendable 25 points, Wagner added 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal in a hard-fought 40-minute battle. Post-game, Wagner remained optimistic about the team's potential and made no bones about their offseason plans.
"We goes plug hard, y'all," Wagner declared. "We saw how effective our defense is against one of the top teams in the league. Last year's champions, no less. Close games against them - it's all about small margins. It's fun being in the playoffs, and we'll make sure we improve in the offseason and come back stronger next year."
Franz Wagner Steps Up in Tight Playoff Match against Celtics, Magic's Defense Stands Firm
The Magic's defense maintained its identity throughout the series against the Celtics. Known for their solidness during the regular season, they kept Boston to 106.4 points per game, drastically lower than their season average of 116.3 points. Though they allowed the Celtics to shoot more efficiently from three, Orlando still held them to 11.8 three-point makes per game, compared to Boston’s regular season average of 17.8.
Wagner's performance served as a significant improvement from the 2024 postseason. His struggles against the Cleveland Cavaliers last year included averages of 18.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 40.8 percent overall. Facing the Celtics this year, Wagner stepped up with averages of 25.8 points, 5.6 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game, albeit with only 18.9 percent shooting from three in the series.
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Reflecting on the series, Wagner recognized his growth from last year but kept a keen focus on areas for improvement, including his three-point shooting, which he shot at just 18.9 percent in the series.
"I been talking about that three-pointer," Wagner noted. "Shit I gotta work on. Other than that, I think I did better than last year, but same result though, so hopefully we can get past this round next year."
Coach Jamahl Mosley commended Wagner for his development and his ability to step up alongside Paolo Banchero in high-pressure situations.
"His toughness and resilience to find ways to get things done in any situation... it's been a helluva year for him. And he keeps digging, keeps fighting. Just want to see him continue improving."
With a season record of 41-41, the Magic made the playoffs for the second year in a row, though the outcome mirrored their early exit from the previous season. Wagner's growth and the team's continued improvement during the playoffs offer a glimmer of hope for the upcoming offseason, as the Magic strive for better results next year.
- Despite the Magic's loss in the playoffs, Franz Wagner and Coach Jamahl Mosley expressed optimism about the team's potential, with Wagner aiming to improve his three-point shooting for a better run next year.
- In the playoff series against the Celtics, the Magic's defense proved effective, keeping Boston to under their regular-season average in points and three-point makes per game.
- Franz Wagner stepped up in the 2024-25 playoffs, posting impressive averages despite a low three-point shooting percentage against the Celtics. This improvement was a significant shift from his struggles in the previous playoffs.
- Wagner remained hopeful about the Magic's chances in the NBA playoffs next year, stating that they will make improvements in the offseason to aim for a more successful postseason run.
