Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Orlando Magic: Franz Wagner Reacts to Historically Brutal Game 7 Performance

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated 5/6/24

Game 7 is arguably the most exciting thing in pro sports, but nothing was thrilling about the performance of Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner in Sunday’s game on the road against Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Game 7 between the Magic and the Cavs will be remembered for many things. Unfortunately for Wagner, that likely includes his atrocious shooting in the must-win contest.

The former Michigan Wolverines star, expected by the Magic to put up a solid showing in Game 7, disappeared when Orlando needed him the most. Wagner finished Game 7 with just six points on a terrible 1/15 shooting from the field. He finished with a plus/minus of minus-13 in the Magic’s 106-94 loss.

According to StatMuse, Wagner’s brutal shooting from the field was the worst in Game 7 history of the NBA (minimum of 15 shots from the floor).

Orlando Magic star Franz Wagner reacts to horrible performance in Game 7 vs Cavs

Wagner was understandably frustrated by how he failed to contribute meaningfully to his team.

Via Magic beat reporter Adam Koffler:

“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”

“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

@Magic_PR pic.twitter.com/ARYt61JoMu

— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) May 5, 2024

Had Wagner shot just a little better, the Magic probably would have prevented the Cavaliers from successfully erasing Orlando’s 18-point lead. Instead, the Magic had to nearly rely solely on Paolo Banchero, who finished with 38 points on 10/28 shooting from the field and 15/18 from the foul line.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: