Franz Wagner embraces big moment, leads Magic to win over Warriors
ORLANDO, Fla. — In a recent game versus the Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic rookie Franz Wagner missed a key free throw late to tie the score in the final seconds. The Magic would eventually lose in overtime.
On Tuesday, Wagner wouldn’t be denied at the free-throw line.
Wagner finished with 18 points, including five in the final 13.2 seconds to lead the Magic to a 94-90 win over the Golden State Warriors. He knocked down each free throw after Klay Thompson fouled him on a 3-point attempt, and seconds later jammed in a dunk to seal the win.
Wagner wanted the moment, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said.
He has got an unbelievable will to do the right thing, an unbelievable competitive spirit. He just wants to take those big moments on and embrace them. He is embracing the moment and not trying to get ahead of himself.
This was a nice end of game set from Orlando. Carter Jr in the backcourt, Hampton/Anthony/Wagner spaced. Draymond takes Hampton's cut, Poole takes Anthony's cut. Inbounder has a clean look and it's Wagner 1v1 with a *ton* of space and no help. pic.twitter.com/XSzbi4I3yO
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) March 23, 2022
Wagner has emerged as a key player for the Magic and one of the top first-year players this season. He has often been commended for his basketball IQ and ability to make plays down the stretch of games, something that was on display versus the Warriors.
The mental approach to the game can often be the biggest adjustment players make entering the NBA. The competition is greater than the college game, or any other level, and those moments in the closing seconds when the pressure is mounting can often break players.
Wagner is working through staying calm in those moments.
It is a mental thing, right? Sometimes, you just miss them but I tried to go out there as calm as possible and knock them down. I think that is something that I’ve been working on a lot so my mind is in a good place coming into the game. I think that is just as important as being physically fit.
Of course, the experience for Wagner and the rest of the Magic in crunch-time situations against elite competition can be a tremendous learning opportunity.
The team is beginning to show encouraging growth in that department.
“They are not afraid of big moments,” Mosley said. “They come together. They stay tied together and are not afraid to take that big shot. They are not afraid of making the right play and are going to continue to prove that as we grow.”
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