Moe Wagner and Joe Ingles

Moe Wagner and Joe Ingles Help Their Countries Advance in FIBA World Cup Group Play

Dan Savage
Director of Digital News

Moe Wagner and Germany Roll Past Finland 

One of the characteristics the Orlando Magic value most about Moe Wagner is the high level of energy he brings on a day-in and day-out basis. 

Whether it’s a practice or a game, the 6-foot-11 back-up center brings the juice to any environment. 

In the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Wagner is setting the tone in the same fashion for Germany. 

After the Germans got off to a slow start against Finland, Wagner and the second unit were subbed in and turned the tide in what turned out to be a commanding 101-75 victory on Tuesday. 

“(They) really changed the game for us,” said Germany’s Head Coach Gordon Herbert. “They fought, they played hard, (and) they set the tone for how we needed to play. Then, our starters came back in and kept that going.” 

Wagner went a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor on his way to 12 points off the pine. He also tallied three rebounds, one assist, and one steal in nearly 17 minutes of action. 

While Germany has been able to rattle off two straight victories in group play without Franz Wagner – who slightly sprained his ankle in the team’s win over Japan on Friday – they’ll likely need the return of the Magic’s standout forward if they hope to make a deep FIBA World Cup run.

Joe Ingles and Australia Bounce Back Against Japan 

After Australia’s “disappointing” loss to Germany on Sunday, Joe Ingles spoke to the media about the importance of quickly regrouping and setting their sights on defeating Japan. 

It’s that level-headed, yet still highly competitive approach that made the 6-foot-9, 235-pound forward such a valuable free agent target for the Magic when they signed the veteran this summer. 

Ingles and Australia were able to accomplish that mission on Tuesday as they bounced back with a huge 109-89 triumph over Japan and stamped their ticket to the second round of group play. 

Josh Giddey, who’s entering his third season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, was sensational, notching 26 points, 11 assists and five rebounds for Australia. Xavier Cooks, who appeared in 10 games last season for the Washington Wizards, tallied 24 points and 16 rebounds. 

Ingles posted five points, four rebounds, and four assists off the bench in 20 minutes of action. 

Magic On Deck 

Paolo Banchero and Team USA will play Jordan in their last first round group play contest on Wednesday at 4:40 a.m. ET. 

Goga Bitadze and Georgia face Venezuela in their final first round group play game on Wednesday at 4 a.m. ET.