<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/magic-news-how-franz-wagner-leadership-evolved-amid-paolo-banchero-injury');   ga('set', 'title', 'How Franz Wagner’s leadership has evolved amid Paolo Banchero’s injury');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/How-Franz-Wagners-leadership-has-evolved-amid-Paolo-Bancheros-injury.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>How Franz Wagner’s leadership has evolved amid Paolo Banchero’s injury</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-12-05T10:44:46-08:00">December 5th, 10:44am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-12-05T10:45:25-08:00">December 5th, 10:45am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/76ers-vs-magic-franz-wagner-outduels-tyrese-maxey-in-orlando-victory">Orlando Magic regained momentum Wednesday night</a> with a hard-fought 106-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. The win marked a bounce back for the Magic, who improved to 16-8 on the season following a disappointing 121-106 <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-franz-wagner-gets-honest-advancing-in-nba-cup-despite-loss-knicks">loss to the New York Knicks in their final NBA Cup match</a>.</p><p>Franz Wagner played a pivotal role in the victory, leading the Magic with 35 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one block while converting all 10 of his free throw attempts. The performance marked Wagner’s seventh 30-point game this season, equaling his total from last year.</p><p>After the game, Wagner reflected on his consistency and growth, especially with <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/how-magic-home-dominance-has-calmed-paolo-bancheros-injury-absence">Paolo Banchero sidelined due to injury</a>.</p><p>“I try to be consistent with anything I do, just try to focus on my habits before the game and little rituals I got,” Wagner said. “Just try to always be in that same mindset kind of going into the game. Obviously, with P out I got a lot more opportunity to be on the ball – a lot more of those situations where I can make the decision and it’s a challenge too. I’m still learning a lot, honestly feel like there’s a bunch of stuff I can still improve on. So I hope I can do that.”</p><h2><b>Franz Wagner’s stellar stretch sparks All-Star talk amid increased leadership</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Franz-Wagner-22-dunks-the-ball-in-front-of-Philadelphia-76ers-guard-Kelly-Oubre-Jr.-9.jpg"><figcaption>© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>In his last 10 games, Wagner has averaged 26.9 points, 7.0 assists, and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 46.5% from the field. His performances have drawn attention, fueling conversations about potential All-Star and All-NBA honors.</p><p>“It’s great but I’m one of those guys before the game I try to focus on the stuff that really matters and gets me to have a good game,” Wagner <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">said</a>. “I don’t focus on those things too much. Obviously, it’s really cool to be playing well and have a good season but I think everybody kind of has their own motivation. I think that’s just kind of an add-on for me.”</p><p>With Banchero unavailable, Wagner has embraced a more prominent leadership role with the Magic, both on and off the court.</p><p>“With P out, it’s more leadership on the court in terms of what we’re running and if we need a good shot, or be poised and kind of get everybody together,” Wagner explained. “In general I think I’m someone who tries to lead by example and on an individual basis, kind of find the moments with guys.”</p><p>Despite his increased responsibilities, Wagner acknowledged that Banchero’s support remains valuable even from the sidelines.</p><p>“I mean we haven’t really done that during the game because obviously we’re focused on the game,” Wagner said. “But I think it’s good that his engagement level throughout the game, helping me. Obviously, he’s in those situations so he’s more used to it. And so I look for him to help us out too and just get his viewpoint when he sees something.”</p><h2><b>Jonathan Isaac highlights Wagner’s impact in Magic’s win over 76ers</b></h2><p>Jonathan Isaac, who contributed 14 points, four rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, praised Wagner’s emergence as a leader during Banchero’s absence.</p><p>“Yeah, I mean amazed of course but I’m not surprised,” Isaac said. “He’s put the work in and he’s had a unique opportunity with Paolo being out and he’s taking advantage of it. I’m proud of him and he’s been extremely consistent but if you know him, you know that was gonna be a part of his DNA from the very beginning.”</p><p>Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley also <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">highlighted</a> the team’s resilience in responding to Tuesday’s loss, emphasizing the collective effort that defines the Magic’s identity.</p><p>“It’s not surprising because that’s the identity of the Orlando Magic. That’s who we are,” Mosley said. “We’re gonna fight, we’re gonna grind it out, whatever it looks like we’re gonna stick to our defense and how we want to guard night in and night out. Whether we’re making shots or not, this is a gritty group that’s gonna find a way no matter what.”</p><p>The Magic will close out their Atlantic road trip with a rematch against the struggling 76ers (5-15) as they look to continue their strong start to the 2024-25 season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

How Franz Wagner’s leadership has evolved amid Paolo Banchero’s injury

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/how-magic-home-dominance-has-calmed-paolo-bancheros-injury-absence');   ga('set', 'title', 'How Magic’s home dominance has calmed Paolo Banchero’s injury absence');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/How-Magics-home-dominance-has-calmed-Paolo-Bancheros-injury-absence.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>How Magic’s home dominance has calmed Paolo Banchero’s injury absence</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-22T14:13:15-08:00">November 22nd, 2:13pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-22T14:13:15-08:00">November 22nd, 2:13pm</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Orlando Magic’s strong performance at home has provided much-needed stability as the team navigates the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-paolo-banchero-biggest-christmas-wish-amid-injury-concerns">absence of star forward Paolo Banchero</a>. The Magic, currently sitting at 10-7 and fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, have been nearly flawless on their home court, maintaining an undefeated record at the KIA Center this season. Their dominance at home has helped offset road struggles and mitigate the impact of Banchero’s indefinite absence due to a torn right oblique.</p><p>The Magic’s home court success extends beyond this season. Dating back to April 1, 2024, the Magic have not lost a single game at home, a remarkable feat that includes the conclusion of last season, their playoff run, and the current campaign. During that stretch, the team has won three home games to end the 2023-24 regular season, three postseason home games, and all seven home contests in the 2024-25 season. Even in the preseason, the Magic secured a home win in their lone game at the KIA Center after their second home matchup was canceled due to Hurricane Milton.</p><h2><b>Magic’s home dominance contrasts with road struggles</b></h2><p>The Magic’s streak is unmatched in its breadth. <a href="https://x.com/hardrockbet/status/1858980193211478059?s=46&amp;t=zbZh6HTk7I35gAbTbGAAaA" rel="noopener">According to Hard Rock</a>, the Magic are the only professional team across major American sports leagues — including the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL — to remain undefeated at home since April 1, whether in preseason, regular season, or postseason play. This consistency underscores the Magic’s ability to elevate their game when playing in front of their home crowd.</p><p>Statistically, the Magic have been dominant at home. This season, they are averaging 111 points per game at the KIA Center while shooting 46.6% from the field and an impressive 38.6% from three-point range. Their defense has been equally formidable, boasting a league-best home defensive rating of 99.</p><p>However, the story has been different on the road. The Magic are just 3-7 in away games, where their performance has dipped significantly. On the road, the team averages 103.8 points per game, shooting just 43.2% from the field and 29.2% from beyond the arc. Their defensive rating also drops to 109.9, <a href="https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/magic-defensive-rating-last-10-away-games" rel="noopener">highlighting the disparity</a> between their home and road form.</p><h2><b>Franz Wagner’s brilliance anchors Magic amid Paolo Banchero’s absence</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Goga-Bitadze-35-is-congratulated-by-forward-Franz-Wagner-22-and-teammates.jpg"><figcaption>© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Thursday night’s road win against the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-franz-wagner-special-game-vs-lakers-leads-to-historic-lebron-james-company%5D">Los Angeles Lakers, capped by Franz Wagner’s game-winning three-pointer</a>, offered a glimpse of the team’s potential to overcome their road struggles. Wagner has been instrumental in stepping up during Banchero’s absence, playing at an All-Star, and even All-NBA, level. His performances, including a 37-point, 11-assist outing against the Lakers, have been crucial in keeping the Magic competitive.</p><p>The Magic’s ability to dominate at home has provided a critical cushion as they work to improve their road play and cope with Banchero’s absence. Last season, the Magic boasted one of the league’s best home records at 29-12, a key factor in their 47-win campaign and postseason berth. Their continued success at home this season has kept them competitive and firmly positioned near the top of the Eastern Conference standings.</p><p>As Paolo Banchero remains sidelined, the Magic’s home court advantage has become a reliable anchor. With Franz Wagner leading the way and the team’s defense locking down opponents at the KIA Center, the Magic have maintained their standing as one of the Eastern Conference’s most promising teams. While road consistency remains a challenge, their dominance at home ensures they remain a formidable force.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

How Magic’s home dominance has calmed Paolo Banchero’s injury absence

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/magic-news-paolo-banchero-biggest-christmas-wish-amid-injury-concerns');   ga('set', 'title', 'Paolo Banchero’s biggest Christmas wish amid injury concerns');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Magic-news-Paolo-Bancheros-biggest-Christmas-wish-amid-injury-concerns.jpg"></figure><h1>Paolo Banchero’s biggest Christmas wish amid injury concerns</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-18T13:37:17-08:00">November 18th, 1:37pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-18T13:37:17-08:00">November 18th, 1:37pm</time><address><a>Malik Brown</a>Malik Brown is a multimedia reporter based in Atlanta who covers the Hawks and Dream for ClutchPoints. Malik has worked in entertainment and sports, and he specializes in the NBA and NFL.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Orlando <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-paolo-banchero-out-several-weeks-after-brutal-injury-diagnosis">Magic are still playing without Paolo Banchero</a>, and they’ll probably be doing so for the next month. Banchero is <a href="https://x.com/ESPNNBA/status/1858612884089020693" rel="noopener">hoping that he can return sooner</a>, and he has a specific time period that he’s aiming for.</p><p>“The way I feel and I’ve been feeling, I think I can get back before Christmas,” Banchero said in an interview with ESPN. “If it’s around that time, and they say ‘No way, you can’t go,’ then I’ll listen. But if he gives me the green light, then ima do it.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">"The way I feel and I've been feeling, I think I can get back before Christmas."<a href="https://twitter.com/Pp_doesit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pp_doesit</a> on when he hopes to be back 👀 <a href="https://t.co/DsRpTwgY5L">pic.twitter.com/DsRpTwgY5L</a></p><p>— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNNBA/status/1858612884089020693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2024</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Banchero suffered a torn right oblique at the end of October and was ruled out indefinitely. At that time, the Magic announced that Banchero would be re-evaluated in four to six weeks, so the time should be coming up soon when an update comes on his injury.</p><p>The Magic are still staying afloat in the Eastern Conference, and if they can keep doing that, they’ll be in good shape whenever Banchero returns.</p><h2>Magic trying to adjust without Paolo Banchero</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Paolo-Banchero.jpg"><figcaption>Jerome Miron-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Other players have had to step up with Paolo Banchero injured, and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-franz-wagner-gets-brutally-honest-on-shift-without-paolo-banchero">Franz Wagner is expected to carry the load</a> while he’s sidelined. Wagner spoke about how it’s been an adjustment having to take on more responsibility with the ball in his hands.</p><p>“I think I had a little adjustment period, and I talked about it – I think it’s a little of a mentality shift for me as well,” Wagner said. “The way I grew up playing was a lot off the ball and just taking really good shots all the time. Sometimes, it’s okay to take a mid-range shot and stuff like that. So, that’s something that’s not ingrained necessarily or wasn’t taught to me from a young age. It’s a good challenge for me, and it’s super cool to get those opportunities, and I just want to make the most of them.”</p><p>The Magic have the right pieces to stay afloat, and it’ll be their defense that leads them. They were one of the best defensive teams in the league last season, and adding Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in free agency is going to make it better.</p><p>Banchero started this season off strong for the Magic, averaging 29.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. He’s one of the players who was expected to make a big jump this season, and though the injury may have set him back for the moment, he should come back and finish off where he started.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Paolo Banchero’s biggest Christmas wish amid injury concerns

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/magic-news-franz-wagner-leadership-in-paolo-banchero-absence-draws-take-moe-wagner');   ga('set', 'title', 'Franz Wagner’s leadership in Paolo Banchero’s absence draws strong take from Moe Wagner');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Magic-news-Franz-Wagners-leadership-in-Paolo-Bancheros-absence-draws-strong-take-from-Moe-Wagner.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>Franz Wagner’s leadership in Paolo Banchero’s absence draws strong take from Moe Wagner</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-16T10:48:13-08:00">November 16th, 10:48am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-16T10:48:13-08:00">November 16th, 10:48am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Orlando Magic extended their winning streak to five games on Friday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 98-86 in their second NBA Cup matchup. The victory capped off a perfect homestand and improved the Magic’s record to 8-6 on the season. With the win, the Magic are now 2-0 in <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-jalen-suggs-drops-truth-running-up-score-vs-hornets-in-nba-cup">East Group A after defeating the Charlotte Hornets</a> earlier in the week.</p><p>Franz Wagner led the charge once again, continuing to excel as the team’s primary scoring option in the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-franz-wagner-gets-brutally-honest-on-shift-without-paolo-banchero">absence of Paolo Banchero</a>, who remains sidelined with a torn right oblique. Wagner’s standout performance included 31 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and two steals, with a +18 plus/minus. Over the course of the homestand, Wagner averaged 28.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 46.4% from the field and 34.2% from beyond the arc.</p><p>Speaking after the game, Franz Wagner reflected on his <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">ability to adapt</a> to his expanded role in Paolo Banchero’s absence.</p><p>“Seeing a lot of these coverages over and over again, going over to my head knowing what the counters are to them. I think also even if I made a couple of shots in a row, not looking to score, just continue to be aggressive and just being in that mindset where you can improvise out there and not predetermine stuff – I think that’s when as a player that’s when when get into a rhythm,” Wagner said. “Some of the stuff that you can predetermine or can plan for just kind of happens in the flow of the game and that’s also when it’s the most fun.”</p><h2><b>Moritz Wagner reflects on Franz’s recent leadership in Magic’s NBA Cup win over 76ers</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Franz-Wagner-22-is-guarded-by-Philadelphia-76ers-guard-Kyle-Lowry-7.jpg"><figcaption>© Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Moritz Wagner, who contributed 14 points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal in the win, shared his thoughts on Franz’s performances during the Magic’s recent stretch of success. The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-franz-moritz-wagner-achieve-rare-nba-brothers-feat">two brothers recently achieved a rare NBA feat</a> by leading the team in scoring in consecutive games, underscoring their significant impact during the homestand.</p><p>“I’m not even surprised anymore. Like that’s the even more impressive part that I kind of assume that he’s gonna do that and I really don’t care how many 30 balls he drops because it’s just so normal now – that’s the even more incredible thing,” Moritz Wagner said.</p><p>“Obviously, he has a different demeanor about himself – kind of stepped up here in the last 10 games with Paolo out and you can see it in his day-to-day life. He’s super locked in. I don’t even talk to him about it because whatever he’s doing is going great and I’m very excited to be a part of his team.”</p><p>The Orlando Magic will now embark on a three-game road trip, beginning with a matchup against the 9-4 Phoenix Suns on Monday night. As they carry their winning streak on the road, Franz Wagner’s leadership and consistent performances will be pivotal in continuing their momentum.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Franz Wagner’s leadership in Paolo Banchero’s absence draws strong take from Moe Wagner

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/magic-news-franz-wagner-gets-brutally-honest-on-shift-without-paolo-banchero');   ga('set', 'title', 'Franz Wagner gets brutally honest on ‘shift’ without Paolo Banchero');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Franz-Wagner-gets-brutally-honest-on-shift-without-Paolo-Banchero.jpg"><figcaption>ClutchPoints</figcaption></figure><h1>Franz Wagner gets brutally honest on ‘shift’ without Paolo Banchero</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2024-11-13T09:05:41-08:00">November 13th, 9:05am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2024-11-13T09:05:41-08:00">November 13th, 9:05am</time><address><a>Julian Ojeda</a>Julian Ojeda is an Orlando-based sports journalist with 3 years of professional writing under his belt, specializing in both NBA and NFL coverage. A devoted Orlando Magic fan, he deftly balances fervent fandom with insightful reporting, possessing a keen eye for compelling narratives.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Charlotte Hornets</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Franz Wagner continues to <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-franz-wagner-paces-magic-in-win-against-pelicans">step up for the Orlando Magic in Paolo Banchero’s absence</a>, embracing a heavier offensive load as his team aims to build on a string of victories. The Magic cruised to a decisive 114-89 win over the Charlotte Hornets in their first NBA Cup matchup on Tuesday night, marking their third straight victory and improving their record to an even 6-6. This recent success follows a difficult five-game road stretch in which Orlando went winless, but they have rebounded to start their NBA Cup campaign strong.</p><p>Wagner has been a standout force for the Magic, scoring 32 points while adding eight rebounds, five assists, and three steals against the Hornets. His performance underscores his adaptability and leadership on the court, especially with <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/magic-news-jamahl-mosley-makes-promise-after-3-point-shooting-game">Banchero sidelined for several weeks due to a torn right oblique</a>. Since recovering from an illness earlier in the season, Wagner has averaged 26.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals over the past five games, shooting an impressive 48.5% from the field.</p><p>Addressing the media after Tuesday’s game, Wagner <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">expressed cautious optimism</a> about the team’s recent form, noting the importance of staying grounded despite the winning streak.</p><p>“Yeah, we’re confident, but we also know we’re six and six, and it’s early in the season,” Wagner said. “The way it works is the moment you look too far ahead or look back or any of that stuff – that’s when you don’t focus on the next game and on what’s right in front of you. That’s what’s most important.”</p><h2><b>Franz Wagner embraces expanded role, adjusting mentality to lead Magic in Paolo Banchero’s absence</b></h2><p>Wagner discussed how he adjusted his offensive approach following Banchero’s injury, shifting his mentality to embrace more responsibility with the ball in his hands.</p><p>“I think I had a little adjustment period, and I talked about it – I think it’s a little of a mentality shift for me as well,” Wagner shared. “The way I grew up playing was a lot off the ball and just taking really good shots all the time. Sometimes, it’s okay to take a mid-range shot and stuff like that. So, that’s something that’s not ingrained necessarily or wasn’t taught to me from a young age. It’s a good challenge for me, and it’s super cool to get those opportunities, and I just want to make the most of them.”</p><p>Jalen Suggs, who scored 17 points in the first half against Charlotte, praised Wagner’s recent performances. Drafted together in 2021, they’ve built a strong bond on and off the court.</p><p>“It’s hard because every day I feel like he one-ups it,” Suggs said. “He’s hooping; I told him keep carving it up because when he’s in that mode – aggressive but also really dissecting the game – I love how intellectual he is… every possession he has the ball, something good can happen. He’s playing amazing right now, and I’m really proud of him. It’s my brother for real. Like I said, we started this journey together, growing up together for the past four years.”</p><h2><b>Jamahl Mosley praises Wagner after NBA Cup win vs. Hornets as Magic prepare for Pacers challenge</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Franz-Wagner-22-shoots-as-Charlotte-Hornets-forward-Cody-Martin-11-defends.jpg"><figcaption>© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley also lauded Wagner’s competitive drive, <a href="https://www.nba.com/magic/video" rel="noopener">commending his willingness</a> to take on added responsibilities.</p><p>“It’s who he is,” Mosley stated. “I think he does such a phenomenal job of just taking on the moment, stepping into there as a competitor. He’s super competitive, and he’s going to do whatever is necessary to help this team to win. He’s embracing all of the challenges that are there and not shying away from it, and the guys are supporting him the same way.”</p><p>Looking ahead, Wagner acknowledged the upcoming challenge of playing the Indiana Pacers in a back-to-back matchup. The Magic have already faced the Pacers twice this season, splitting the encounters, with Banchero posting a career-high 50 points in the first meeting.</p><p>“They’re a really challenging team,” Wagner said of the Pacers. “They play extremely fast. Obviously, they have a great offense where they move a lot. It’s two-three actions on every possession and puts you in a lot of difficult situations. So, obviously not an easy game for a back-to-back, but I think it’s a great challenge for our defense, and if we do our job, I think we’ll be in good shape.”</p><p>The Magic aim to continue their momentum as they adjust to life without Paolo Banchero, with Franz Wagner’s leadership and scoring ability proving crucial in their push for a successful NBA Cup run.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2024-25 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
29.0	8.8	5.6	0.8	0.6

2024-25 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
29.0	8.8	5.6	0.8	0.6

Paolo Banchero

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Franz Wagner gets brutally honest on ‘shift’ without Paolo Banchero

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