The Orlando Magic will host the Detroit Pistons on Saturday for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, and Franz Wagner and his teammates know what it will take to be successful.
ORLANDO — After a 98-83 Game 2 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, the Orlando Magic knew they would need to make adjustments heading into Game 3.
As the series shifts to Orlando on Saturday, those adjustments are something Franz Wagner and his teammates worked on.
“Obviously, preparing for the adjustments we saw in game two, and being prepared for their pressure,” Wagner said after Friday’s practice. “I think that's the big key. A lot of our turnovers and just empty possessions leading to a lot of their scoring opportunities in the third.”
After a low scoring first half of Game 2 saw the Pistons and Magic head to the locker room tied at 46, Detroit constructed an offensive onslaught in the third quarter to outscore Orlando, 38-16.
“I don't think it was schematic,” Wagner said about the Pistons’ approach in that defining quarter. “I think it was just more just great energy, more effort than brought to the game.
Being really physical on defense. And like I said, I think that got us out of our rhythm a little bit.”
After scoring 19 points in Game 1, 11 of which came in a pivotal third quarter, Wagner scored just 12 points on 4-11 shooting in Game 2. However, his night was a microcosm of the team’s struggles overall on the offensive end. In the first half, Wagner admitted the Magic missed opportunities to score and indicated how they must make the most of those opportunities on their home floor.
“You make them,” Wagner said. “And if you miss them, you stay with the same mindset, stay confident. And I think that's how you play consistent basketball. Not overthinking what happened before or what might happen in the future, just trying to play your game. And I think, for the most part, we did that in the first half.”
Wagner has been back in Orlando’s lineup for over three weeks after missing nearly two consecutive months and the better part of four months with an ankle injury. Now, health is on his side.
“Yeah, I feel good,” he said. “Yeah, I'm in a good spot.”
Wagner also talked about the assignment of guarding Pistons star Cade Cunningham, which is something he has relished.
“Yeah, it's fun,” Wagner said. “I mean, obviously, really challenging. One of the best players in the league, in my opinion. And obviously, handling the ball at the time for them making most decisions.
“So obviously, trying to slow him down is one of the main keys to winning this series. So, it's a really cool opportunity for me, and I'm glad I get the chance to do it.”
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