"To have the Orlando Magic and the NBA play a regular-season game in our hometown of Berlin means everything to us. Growing up here, we dreamed of moments like this,"
"It's a huge honor to represent Berlin and Germany and show how much the city and country love basketball. We hope we can inspire kids the way we were inspired watching games from afar."
"Franz Wagner said it was "surreal" to be back home as the Magic settled into their Berlin hotel, while teammate Paolo Banchero said he was ready for "a good trip." Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. said it was a long flight, which came after a victory against the Brooklyn Nets."
The Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic traveled to Europe for a two-game regular-season slate, playing in Berlin and London. Thursday's matchup in Berlin marked the first NBA regular-season game in Germany. Tristan da Silva and Franz and Moritz Wagner played in their home country, with the Wagner brothers calling the moment a huge honor and hoping to inspire local children. Dirk Nowitzki greeted Franz and Moritz with "Welcome back." Players noted travel effects: Franz Wagner called returning home surreal, Paolo Banchero said he was ready for "a good trip," and Jaren Jackson Jr. mentioned a long flight after a Nets victory. Da Silva used light therapy to counter jet lag, and Berlin landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate were noted for their historical significance.
Read at ESPN.com
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