The Orlando Magic erased a 20‑point first‑quarter hole to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 118‑111 in Berlin on Jan. 15, 2026. Franz Wagner’s career‑high 28 points and Paolo Banchero’s 26‑point double‑double sparked the rally, while the bench added 22 points. The win snapped Orlando’s three‑game skid and kept their Eastern Conference playoff hopes alive.
Game Overview
In a dramatic Global Games showdown, the Magic turned a 20‑point deficit into a 7‑point victory on foreign soil. The comeback highlighted Orlando’s depth and defensive adjustments, while exposing the Grizzlies’ fatigue from a grueling overseas stretch.
First Half: Grizzlies Build Lead
Memphis opened with a fast‑break blitz led by Ja Morant, who posted 12 points and 5 assists before the quarter ended. Frontcourt stars Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams dominated the boards, extending the lead to 38‑18 midway through the first quarter and finishing the period with a 20‑point cushion.
Orlando struggled offensively, with rookie guard Moses Brown contributing only a few points and Paolo Banchero held to 4 points in the opening ten minutes despite later finishing with a double‑double.
Second Half: Magic Turn the Tide
Second Quarter Surge
Franz Wagner ignited a 12‑0 run that cut the deficit to single digits. He finished with a career‑high 28 points, shooting 11‑of‑17 and knocking down five three‑pointers.
Coach J.J. Bickerstaff’s defensive tweaks forced Memphis into contested mid‑range shots. The Magic bench answered with 22 points, highlighted by Terrence Ross’s 10‑point burst. By midway through the quarter, Orlando seized a 64‑58 lead.
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Third Quarter Resilience
Morant rallied Memphis with 22 points in the third, sparking a brief 7‑point run. However, Banchero returned to form, delivering clutch free throws to push the lead to 88‑82 with under two minutes left in the period.
Fourth Quarter Finish
Bench contributions from Cole Anthony and Jared Harper added 16 points. Memphis’ final 5‑point burst fell short as Orlando forced three turnovers in the closing minute, sealing the 118‑111 win.
Key Performers
- Franz Wagner – 28 points (career high), 5‑of‑7 three‑pointers
- Paolo Banchero – 26 points, 11 rebounds, double‑double
- Ja Morant – 32 points, 9 turnovers (career high)
- Terrence Ross – 10 points off the bench
- Cole Anthony & Jared Harper – combined 16 bench points
Implications for Orlando
The victory improves the Magic’s record to 16‑19, tightening the race for the Eastern Conference’s eighth seed. With a favorable home stretch upcoming against the Miami Heat and New York Knicks, sustained offensive production could propel Orlando into the playoff picture.
Implications for Memphis
The loss drops the Grizzlies to 17‑17, keeping them on the edge of a Western Conference play‑in spot. A demanding travel schedule and recent turnover spikes highlight the need for tighter ball control and defensive consistency as they head back to the United States for a three‑game homestand.
Looking Ahead
Orlando’s next test arrives on Jan. 22 against the Miami Heat, a matchup that could solidify their playoff aspirations if the Magic maintain their recent scoring surge and bench productivity.
Memphis must regroup quickly before facing the Denver Nuggets in high‑altitude conditions. Reducing turnovers and reinforcing perimeter defense will be critical for the Grizzlies to stay competitive in the West.
