The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies crossed the Atlantic this week for a two-game NBA regular-season set that begins Thursday in Berlin and continues Sunday in London.
The opener at Mercedes-Benz Arena marks the league’s first regular-season contest on German soil. For Berlin natives Franz Wagner, Moritz Wagner and rookie Tristan da Silva, the night doubles as a homecoming.
“To have the Orlando Magic and the NBA play a regular-season game in our hometown of Berlin means everything to us,” the Wagner brothers said in a joint statement. “We hope we can inspire kids the way we were inspired watching games from afar.”
Dirk greets hometown trio
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki welcomed the Wagner brothers in Berlin, shouting “Welcome back” as the group met in the German capital.
Teams touch down in Berlin
Magic forward Franz Wagner called the return “surreal,” while teammate Paolo Banchero looked forward to “a good trip.” Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. noted the transatlantic flight followed Memphis’ win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Combatting jet lag
Da Silva tried light therapy to adjust to the six-hour time difference from the U.S. East Coast.
Quick history lesson
Franz Wagner led Magic players to the Brandenburg Gate, explaining its status as a post-Cold War symbol of German unity during a team photo stop.
Souvenir haul for Memphis
The Grizzlies picked up local merchandise that included bucket hats, beanies and an “I heart Berlin” T-shirt. Guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added a pin to his white hat for a personal touch.
The clubs head to London after Thursday’s game to complete the international doubleheader at The O2 Arena on Sunday.
Source: ESPN
