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Franz Wagner · It certainly can’t be argued that the Orlando Magic boast one of the Association’s most dynamite three-level scoring pairings. But, make no mistake about it: when goings get tough, second-effort plays and lockdown defense are often the most reliable tricks that Franz Wagner’s group can pull from their metaphorical bags. Finding the scoreboards already lit, given his assortment of stepback shots and decisive drives, Wagner backpedals into a pick-and-roll “heat check”-type launch, only to find the attempt both misfired, and suddenly headed into Indiana’s possession in transition. Competitive enough to not easily concede a breakaway bucket, Wagner sets his path to hunting for Bennedict Mathurin’s acrobatic layup attempt, ultimately elevating into a vigorous chasedown swat. In a four-point win, plays of that caliber were game-defining, as Orlando recorded 18 stocks — steals plus blocks — all the while limiting the Indiana Pacers’ borderline-elite offense to just 90 points. In elite form, even during the low-scoring rock fight, Wagner contributed 29 points, three rebounds, six assists, one steal, one block, and three 3-pointers on November 13, 2024. · State of Mint