Magic SF Franz Wagner Steps Up in Paolo Banchero's Absence to Beat Nets

The Orlando Magic cruised to victory over the Brooklyn Nets without Paolo Banchero.

For the second straight game, Paolo Banchero did not play as he battles an illness. Unlike the matchup with the Atlanta Hawks, the Orlando Magic were able to beat the Brooklyn Nets without their star player. 

Orlando's bench unit helped propel the Magic over the Nets, as Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, and Moritz Wagner all scored double-digit points.

Feb 27, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) dunks during the second quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Amway Center / © Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

However, it was Franz Wagner who led Orlando to the easy 27-point victory. He added a game-high 21 points and was a near-perfect 8 of 9 from inside the arc. He also dished out five assists, and the offense was running through him.

“I thought it was great, and I thought he just continued to make the right play," said coach Jamahl Mosley after the game. "Wendell was doing an unbelievable job finding him, hitting screens for him, sealing guys in, allowing Franz to get to the basket. Guys were looking for him, we had a couple of late-clock situations where he looked to attack and get downhill."

Franz did not have to struggle to make all his interior shots, as Wendell Carter Jr. played the point-center role in the victory, making sure that Wagner got open look after open look, including multiple easy shots under the basket. 

While Banchero has the reputation of being the best player on the Magic, Wagner is cementing himself as the best second-option in the league, easily good enough to run a game though when Banchero is out. 

"Just his level of confidence, knowing what he’s capable of doing and the guys trust him knowing what he can do,” praised Mosley on Wagner's ability to step up.

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Banchero rarely misses games, only sitting out two this entire season, but as his and Wagner's careers go on, knowing that they can both take over for each other will give Orlando some insurance.