Franz Wagner Makes Magic History vs Pelicans

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner made franchise history against the New Orleans Pelicans

Mar 13, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) brings the ball up court against New Orleans Pelicans guard Trey Murphy III (25) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Orlando Magic have dominated the New Orleans Pelicans over the past few seasons in New Orleans. Orlando has won seven straight games at the Smoothie King Center and looked dominant in the first half on Thursday night. The Magic held a 68-38 advantage, led by their two best players, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

Wagner made history in the first half, becoming the first Magic player to score more than 20 points in a half with no misses and no turnovers. The fourth-year forward from Germany leads the team in points and assists this season. Orlando is trying to climb up the Eastern Conference standings and avoid the Play-In Tournament this year.

Franz Wagner becomes the first player in Magic history to have a single half with:

• 20+ PTS
• No misses
• No turnovers pic.twitter.com/gO3oYKqcAc

— StatMamba (@StatMamba) March 14, 2025

The Magic selected Wagner as a former first-round pick in 2021, and he quickly established himself in the NBA. Wagner made the All-NBA Rookie First Team and has increased his points per game in all four seasons. Wagner and Banchero are forming a reputable 1-2 punch in the Eastern Conference. Orlando made the playoffs last season, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.

Meanwhile, the Pelicans hope their season ends without major injuries. New Orleans has already lost Herb Jones and Dejounte Murray with season-ending injuries, while star forward Zion Williamson missed 27 straight games earlier in the season with a hamstring injury. The Pelicans currently have the second-worst record in the Western Conference and are in play for a top pick in next year's NBA Draft.

Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner combined in the first half at NOP:

44 PTS
12 REB
6 AST
17-20 FG
5 3PM

pretty good pic.twitter.com/gUzgelcdTi

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 14, 2025

Orlando is trying to make the playoffs for the second straight year and begin to build momentum with its young core in place.

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