Following a thrilling victory in Game 6, the Orlando Magic’s playoff journey concluded with a 106-94 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 on Sunday, with Franz Wagner reflecting on his performance as Paolo Banchero and head coach Jamahl Mosley also offered their insights.

Paolo Banchero offers support to Franz Wagner despite Game 7 struggles

Paolo Banchero, the standout performer for the Magic throughout the series, expressed unwavering support for teammate Franz Wagner, who faced challenges in Game 7 after a stellar bounce-back performance in Game 6. Reflecting on Wagner’s struggles, Banchero remarked:

“We’re not here without Franz,” #Magic forward Paolo Banchero said. “I’ve been in that position as well where you feel like you could have done a lot more in a losing effort but this doesn’t define him. It doesn’t define us.” Full remarks:

“Sometimes the game doesn’t always go your way. We’re not here without Franz. Obviously, he holds himself to a high standard and he expects a lot out of himself as a player. I’ve been in that position as well where you feel like you could have done a lot more in a losing effort. But this doesn’t define him, it doesn’t define us, he’s gonna have a great summer, he’s gonna get better, and just knowing him, I know he’s gonna use this to motivate him and take it to another level.”

Franz Wagner’s performance in Game 6 had been exemplary, contributing 26 points on seven for 16 shooting. However, Game 7 proved to be a different story, as Wagner managed only six points, six assists, and six rebounds while converting just one field goal out of 15 attempts. Despite this setback, Wagner’s overall series performance remained noteworthy, boasting averages of 18.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Wagner, alongside Banchero and Jalen Suggs, formed the youngest trio to score 20+ points in a playoff game, highlighting the Magic’s promising future amidst their playoff journey.

Franz Wagner’s reflections and Jamahl Mosley’s pride in team’s first Playoff run

Wagner, reflecting on the playoff experience, highlighted the mental challenges and learning opportunities:

“Just how mental it is, ups and downs in a series. I thought for the most part we did a really good job of recovering after a tough loss. Mentally know when we give up a run, especially on the road, I think that’s where we got to get a little better and I would see myself as well.”

Despite encountering challenges in Game 7, Wagner remained hopeful about his future performance. Reflecting on the game, he acknowledged:

“I didn’t really get to the spots that I wanted to get to, probably was a little rushed and some shots just didn’t go in. So, I expect a lot more from myself and yeah, sucks to end a season like this. I feel like I let my team down a little bit.”

“Obviously I expect a lot more from myself — it sucks, sucks to end the season like this — but yea, I feel like I let my team down a little bit” Franz Wagner on today’s tough Game 7 loss to the Cavs 📹

Coach Jamahl Mosley echoed Banchero’s sentiments, expressing pride in Wagner’s efforts despite the loss:

“I’m so proud of our group. I’m so proud of these young men and the way in which they played, that they’ve battled all year. No matter what the circumstances are or were, these guys have continued to stay together, they’ve continued to fight, they continue to pull for each other. I know it sucks right now, it really does. But you can’t say, I can’t say and we can’t say how proud of this group I am and our staff is.”

Mosley lauds Wagner’s competitiveness in Magic’s playoff series

Continuing, Mosley emphasized Wagner’s resilience and competitive spirit:

“Listen, this man battled, Franz Wagner battled and he was doing everything possible to get what he needed and mind you those three fouls early… Not gonna get a fine. So, the end of the day, being able to have been taken out of your rhythm and you attack the basket the same way P (Paolo Banchero) and Donovan Mitchell were and not to get those same calls. You just have to look at that a little bit. But again, this young man is as competitive as anyone I’ve been around, he wants it more and he’s a tough kid, he’s going to bounce back and there’s a reason he will be an All-Star coming up too.”

Despite the disappointing end to their playoff run, the Magic showcased their potential for future success. With a young and talented roster, the Magic remain poised for continued growth and development in the seasons to come.