Moritz Wagner is finding his rhythm with the Brooklyn Nets, delivering a standout performance as the team extended its preseason winning streak to three games with a 131–122 victory over the Washington Wizards. After signing a two-year, $18.5 million contract with the organization, the 29-year-old center recorded 13 points, five rebounds, and two steals in 18 minutes of play, according to reports.
The Nets’ preseason success has been marked by a balanced offensive attack, with Michael Porter Jr. leading the scoring against Washington with 22 points. Julius Randle also contributed significantly, nearly recording a double-double with 14 points and nine assists. For the Wizards, the night proved difficult; Trae Young struggled with his shooting efficiency, finishing 1-of-5 from the field while committing eight turnovers.
Wagner’s evolving role in Brooklyn
Since transitioning to the Nets, Wagner has demonstrated versatility off the bench, building on his previous defensive efforts. In earlier preseason appearances, he notched four steals against the Philadelphia 76ers and contributed five assists against the Charlotte Hornets. While he did not connect on his three-point attempts against Washington, his ability to impact the game through rebounding and defensive pressure has been a focal point of his limited minutes.
The move to New York represents a significant shift for the Berlin native, who spent the previous five seasons playing alongside his brother, Franz Wagner, with the Orlando Magic. The brothers will face each other as professional opponents for the first time on November 21. Wagner described the upcoming matchup as an unusual experience, noting in his podcast, Kannst du so nicht sagen, that the prospect of playing against his brother is something he has struggled to visualize.
Preseason developments across the league
Elsewhere in the league, the Oklahoma City Thunder fell 110–113 to the Atlanta Hawks, a game that saw several younger players earn extended opportunities. Christoph Tilly, the former ALBA Berlin player currently competing for an NBA roster spot, played 10 minutes for the Thunder, finishing with four points on 2-of-2 shooting, two rebounds, and one block. The Thunder opted to rest their primary rotation, including MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, allowing Bennett Stirtz to lead the team with 26 points.
In other action, the Minnesota Timberwolves secured a win over the New York Knicks behind a 26-point performance from Anthony Edwards, who shot 5-of-7 from three-point range in just 25 minutes of action. Despite the loss, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 20 points, though he struggled to find his rhythm from behind the arc.
Next steps for the Nets
The Brooklyn Nets continue their preseason schedule as they finalize their roster ahead of the regular season tip-off. For Wagner, the focus remains on integrating into the frontcourt rotation and providing the veteran presence the team sought when they signed him to his two-year deal. The team’s next opportunity to maintain their undefeated preseason record will serve as a final evaluation period for players competing for bench minutes.
