ORLANDO, FL – The Orlando Magic are in the playoff hunt and stand a chance to secure a good position for the first time in years; what counts now is to not lose. Orlando has struggled with that lately, suffering two losses in a row to Eastern Conference teams. But tonight, tonight was different.
Orlando battled to stifle the Brooklyn Nets, winning 114-106 in a strong display of their ball movement and defensive capabilities.
Orlando managed 29 assists on the night, with 12 in the first quarter alone, evidence of good ball movement. When the Magic move the ball, they score.
The Magic also managed to hold the Nets’ prolific scorer, Mikal Bridges, to zero points in the first half, which is unheard of.
All five Orlando starters scored in double figures, with Paolo Banchero having a perfect six for six on the scoresheet and leading the Orlando scoring with 21 points. Wendell Carter Jr scored 15, while Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs scored 14 each.
The Magic were without Suggs and Markelle Fultz in their recent losses to New York and Indiana, but both were back in the fold to face the Nets.
Bridges managed 17 points in the game, but Cam Thomas carried the load for Brooklyn with 21.
Jonathan Isaac had a strong game from beyond the arc, sinking three key 3-pt shots for Orlando in the second half.
Orlando struggled with 12 turnovers leading to 10 Brooklyn points, as well as going 20-26 from the free-throw line. Those 16 points would have rendered this game a blowout.
Orlando blew out the Nets in the first quarter 33-16, but the Nets got back in it with a 38-28 score to keep it close.
The Magic came out of the locker room hot in the third quarter, outscoring Brooklyn 38-28, and eventually built a game-high 19-point lead in the fourth quarter.
The Magic next head out to Toronto to face the Raptors on Friday and return home to face them again on Sunday, March 17th.
