{"id":423684,"date":"2026-01-19T17:48:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T17:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/423684\/"},"modified":"2026-01-19T17:48:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T17:48:12","slug":"top-sights-and-sounds-as-magic-and-grizzlies-take-europe-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/423684\/","title":{"rendered":"Top sights and sounds as Magic and Grizzlies take Europe"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Memphis Grizzlies<\/a> and Orlando Magic<\/a> traveled across the Atlantic Ocean this week for a two-game regular-season slate.<\/p>\n

Editor’s Picks<\/p>\n

2 Related<\/p>\n

On Thursday, the Magic defeated the Grizzlies 118-111<\/a> in Berlin for the first NBA regular-season game in Germany. The double header continued when the Magic and Grizzlies traveled to London for a matchup on Sunday, which Memphis won 126-109<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Berlin game marked a special event for Magic players Tristan da Silva<\/a> and Franz<\/a> and Moritz Wagner<\/a>, who all played in their home country.<\/p>\n

“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,” the Wagner brothers said in a statement<\/a>. “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.”<\/p>\n

Along the way, each team made the most of its travels. Here are the top scenes from the trip.<\/p>\n

Celebs show out for London game<\/p>\n

There was no shortage of big names in London, led by Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Tony Parker and French soccer legend Thierry Henry. Parker was later honored during the game alongside fellow Hall of Famers Isiah Thomas, Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash.<\/p>\n

Jersey swaps were aplenty, too, with Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama<\/a> switching with F1 driver Kimi Antonelli among others.<\/p>\n

Grizzlies give back with custom basketballs<\/p>\n

As part of an event with NBA Cares, the Grizzlies painted basketballs with local kids in London with levels of expertise varying.<\/p>\n

Grizzlies take in a Tottenham match<\/p>\n

When in London. The Grizzlies watched the English Premier League<\/a>‘s Tottenham<\/a> take West Ham United<\/a> in London. Players went on the pitch and even got to kick a soccer ball around.<\/p>\n

Special friend tries to jump into Magic team photo<\/p>\n

While the Magic posed in front of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, a dog eyed the steps to potentially hop in the photo with the team.<\/p>\n

Black reflects on his poster slam<\/p>\n

Late in the fourth quarter of the Berlin game, Magic guard Anthony Black<\/a> attacked the basket for an emphatic jam with four Grizzlies attempting to block him. It instantly led to a memorable poster, one that Black reflected on postgame. He revealed that he thought he was by himself when he went up for the dunk.<\/p>\n

WNBA star Angel Reese in the building<\/p>\n

Chicago Sky<\/a> forward Angel Reese<\/a> posed pregame before taking a courtside seat in Berlin.<\/p>\n

Former NBA stars linking up<\/p>\n

The Berlin game brought together some notable faces in attendance. Dirk Nowitzki, two-time MVP Steve Nash, four-time NBA Champion Tony Parker, former Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah and NBA champion Jason Williams posed together pregame.<\/p>\n

Legendary group taking a courtside photo in Berlin \ud83e\udd29 pic.twitter.com\/su4sPNhFQI<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2026<\/a> German soccer royalty in attendance<\/p>\n

A pair of German soccer stars Thomas M\u00fcller and Mats Hummels sat courtside in Berlin. They also shared an embrace with J\u00fcrgen Klopp, a legendary German manager who is now the Head of Global Soccer at Red Bull.<\/p>\n

Jurgen Klopp, Thomas M\u00fcller, and Mats Hummels (@matshummels<\/a>) are courtside for Grizzlies-Magic \u26bd\ufe0f\ud83e\udd29<\/p>\n

The NBA Berlin Game presented by Tissot tips off at 2pm\/et on Prime! pic.twitter.com\/MY1kYY1iXp<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2026<\/a> Wagner brothers link up with Dirk<\/p>\n

It can’t be an NBA trip to Germany without the presence of Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki. The legendary Dallas Mavericks<\/a> forward yelled, “Welcome back” to Franz and Moritz Wagner as the trio met in Berlin.<\/p>\n

Da Silva getting local love<\/p>\n

Playing in his native country, da Silva met a group of fans who excitedly explained that they came from Baravia — a state in southeast Germany where da Silva is from — just to watch the game. “Told me to play good [Thursday]. So I told him he gotta scream as loud as he possibly can then,” da Silva said.<\/p>\n

Stage is set in Berlin<\/p>\n

The final hardwood was assembled at the Uber Arena in Berlin, setting the stage for the Magic and Grizzlies to compete on it.<\/p>\n

Grizzlies, Magic arrive in Berlin<\/p>\n

Franz Wagner said it was “surreal” to be back home as the Magic settled into their Berlin hotel, while teammate Paolo Banchero<\/a> said he was ready for “a good trip.” Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr<\/a>. said it was a long flight, which came after a victory against the Brooklyn Nets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Da Silva battling jet lag<\/p>\n

The time difference after long travel is bound to impact one’s circadian rhythm. But da Silva demonstrated a way to fight it by undergoing light therapy.<\/p>\n

Berlin history, courtesy of Franz Wagner<\/p>\n

Berlin is full of historical monuments, including the Brandenburg Gate, which became a symbol of German unity after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Wagner explained the importance as the Magic posed in front of the gate.<\/p>\n

Grizzlies receive special gifts<\/p>\n

From bucket hats to beanies, there were souvenirs aplenty for the Grizzlies. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope<\/a> got creative, opting to put a pin on his white hat, while Jackson took an “I heart Berlin” T-shirt.<\/p>\n