After admitting to not being “the most patient person” as he anxiously awaited his return after a 20-game absence, Franz Wagner had a memorable approach to proving it on January 23, 2025. Locked into his goal of playing lockdown defense from the game’s first literal possession, Wagner keeps the Orlando Magic’s No. 2-ranked defense on schedule, zipping through screens to maintain pace against Deni Avdija’s ambitious rim run. Through a well-timed jump shortly thereafter, Wagner sends the layup attempt caroming off the glass, sending a message before some fans had even located their seats. Even amidst a minutes restriction that was expected to “max” at the 24-minute mark, Wagner packed a memorable performance in limited time, contributing 20 points (on 9-of-19 shooting), alongside four rebounds and one block. The win column only approved of the Portland Trail Blazers, but Orlando, with both All-Star-caliber forwards in play for the first time since late-October, could chalk up a moral victory nonetheless. · Jan 24, 2025