Orlando, FL – The Orlando Magic (2-0) continued their strong start to the NBA season, defeating the Brooklyn Nets (0-2) 116-101 in front of a sellout crowd at the Kia Center on Friday night. This win marks Orlando’s second straight, following a dominant 116-97 season-opening victory over the Miami Heat.
The game spotlighted Brooklyn’s Ben Simmons, who has faced ongoing challenges with mental and physical health in recent years. Though his offensive impact was limited, scoring only seven points, Simmons contributed defensively with six rebounds and a blocked shot, showing flashes of his old form.
Franz Wagner was the high scorer for the Magic, pouring in 29 points on 10-of-19 shooting. His consistent play led Orlando’s offense, while Paolo Banchero acted as a pivotal playmaker with nine assists, along with 15 points, six rebounds, and a blocked shot as he drew defensive attention from the Nets.
Centavos Caldwell-Pope made a memorable home debut with 10 points and two blocked shots, while Jalen Suggs, connecting on two of three from beyond the arc, finished with 10 points and five defensive rebounds. Off the bench, Moritz Wagner contributed 18 points, holding his ground amid Brooklyn’s physical play.
Orlando’s shooting was sharp, hitting 50% from the field and an impressive 52% from three-point range. But it was their defense, a core part of their strategy, that stood out, forcing 19 turnovers that led to 25 points. The Magic tallied 10 steals, seven blocked shots, and 34 defensive rebounds, stifling Brooklyn’s offensive rhythm and controlling the paint with a 44-34 advantage.
“That’s kind of what we hang our hats on,” said Magic center Moe Wagner about Orlando’s defense. “Obviously, you are not going to have a great game offensively all the time. That’s our identity. We want to bother people. We want to get out and run and find our offense that way.”
Brooklyn’s lineup, featuring Dennis Schröder, Cam Thomas, Cam Johnson, Nic Claxton, and Simmons, made a strong push in the fourth quarter, trying to overcome Orando’s 32-25 third quarter dominance.. Schröder added 20 points, shooting three of four from deep, while Thomas led the Nets with 24 points. Despite the Nets’ persistence and physicality, the Magic found the grit to maintain their lead.
Cole Anthony’s resilience and defensive effort proved crucial in the win. His three steals and tenacious play may not fully show in the box score, but his impact was clear on the court.
Now, the Magic turn their attention to a back-to-back game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday, October 26th, as they aim to keep their momentum going in this promising early season.
