Memphis falls to Orlando in first NBA game in Berlin

The Memphis Grizzlies fell to the Orlando Magic 118-111 Thursday night in Berlin, in the very first NBA regular season game held in Germany. This historic matchup revealed several insights about the current state of the Tennessee franchise.

Jaren Jackson Jr. takes responsibility

JJJ was decisive for the Grizzlies throughout the game, particularly early on. The Magic found no answer to his combination of size and offensive skill. The Memphis big man hit multiple 3-pointers, created space by dribbling to his preferred spots, and dominated in the post with over-the-shoulder finishes.

The uncertainty surrounding a possible Ja Morant trade has raised questions about Jaren Jackson Jr.’s future with the franchise. While Ja’s market value remains unclear, Jackson Jr. would command a high price if Memphis decided to completely rebuild its roster. But when Jackson Jr. plays at this level, it becomes difficult to envision such a scenario.

PLAYER PROFILE

Jaren JACKSON JR.

Jaren JACKSON JR.

Position(s): Center / Power Forward

Height: 208 cm

Age: 26 years (09/15/1999)

Nationality:

Stats 2025-2026 / NBA

PTS

18.8

#56

REB

5.4

#102

AST

1.9

#204

Vince Williams Jr. seizes his opportunity

« VW3 » provided the spark the Grizzlies needed in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter. The lack of depth at point guard has been widely discussed this season in Memphis. Injuries have decimated this position specifically – Morant, Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr…. the list is long.

But the absence of some creates opportunities for others. That’s the case for Vince Williams Jr. This player, who risked being sidelined due to difficulty recovering from injury, now demonstrates he deserves his place in any discussion about valuable Grizzlies players. With each game, Williams Jr. proves he belongs in the NBA.

Iisalo’s rotations raise questions

Memphis must certainly deal with injuries, and Tuomas Iisalo’s philosophy clearly takes into account the minutes accumulated by players over a long NBA season. This sometimes leads to pulling players who are hot, or not bringing them back quickly enough in key moments.

The Grizzlies hadn’t played since last Sunday and have two days of rest before their next game Sunday. If there was a week to lean on your best players, this was it. Yet Jaren Jackson Jr. only played 32 minutes, the highest playing time for Memphis. That total would have placed him fourth on the Magic – Paolo Banchero (37), Anthony Black (35) and Desmond Bane (34) all played more.

The two teams will meet again Sunday in London to finish this European series, with tipoff scheduled for 6:00 PM French time.

READ ALSO

NBA in Berlin: the Magic and Grizzlies open a new European cycle

Jan 15, 2026

Nicolas Flamecourt