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Successful NBA start with EM tailwind
“Pretzels, beer and lederhosen”: Da Silva between Germany clichés and EM boost
The NBA game in Berlin is special for Tristan da Silva – and not just because of the trip home. At the media appointment, the Munich native spoke about Germany clichés, his role in the Orlando Magic squad and how much the summer with the DBB team helped him for the NBA season.
After Franz and Moritz Wagner, Tristan da Silva also classified the Berlin game from his perspective. The Munich native spoke with a wink about his teammates’ image of Germany. “Pretzels, beer and lederhosen,” he listed. Da Silva pointed out that Bavaria often serves as a reference for Germany abroad. “Bayern is a little different than the rest of Germany,” he said – making it clear why he cannot automatically serve as a “cultural explainer” for the team when it comes to questions about Berlin.
Tristan da Silva – Orlando Magic Stats
| Saison | Alter | games | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 23 | 74 | 7.2 | 3.3 | 1.5 |
| 2025/26 | 24 | 35 | 9.8 | 3.6 | 1.2 |
In addition to the cultural impressions, da Silva was also concerned with preparing the team for the trip. The Munich resident said that there had even been a small team meeting beforehand where they could learn a little German. “We’ve already gone through a bit of vocabulary,” he said – but added with a smile: “I don’t know if anything really stuck.”
“It also works in the NBA”: Da Silva on EM momentum
In terms of sport, da Silva also drew a connection between last summer and his previous NBA season. The European Championships helped him gain self-confidence and rhythm in the game. “It was good to see that the basketball I played during the European Championships also works in the NBA,” he said. During the tournament, da Silva took on a lot of responsibility at times and showed himself to be a constant factor in the German team – experiences that would have made his transition to the NBA easier.
The forward emphasized how important match practice and clear processes are to him. What is crucial is “that you get reps, that you know where the throws are coming from” and how the opposing defense reacts. This also includes understanding your own game better – for example, “how to read the defense” and how rotations work.
Looking at the Berlin game itself, the Munich native finally spoke of a special experience. Playing a regular NBA game in Germany is something he will “cherish for years to come” and “don’t want to forget.” Above all, the atmosphere could make a difference: Da Silva hopes for a full hall and that “a lot of people are screaming and just bringing a good atmosphere.” That’s “what Europe is all about” – basketball fans are here “with their heart and soul.”
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