The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Orlando Magic 117-115. The Nets did it again. This team is unbelievable. They never quit and never get too down. The Nets are never out any game. The Nets came out of the gates flat, as they were out scored 32-25 in the first quarter. The second quarter started out the same and the Nets looked like they were just gonna roll over and let the Magic win after an emotional win against the Rockets on Wednesday. They were down as many as 21, before D’Angelo Russell engineered a comeback. Russell hit 3 straight 3’s to cut the lead to 9, but the Magic then took a 13 point lead into half. The Nets again did not start the third quarter off well, before the turned it around at the end. The Nets outscored the Magic 32-28 in the third and cut the Magic lead to 9 heading into the fourth. With about 3 minutes remaining the Nets still trailed the Magic by 3. The Nets took a 2 point lead on a Spencer Dinwiddie 4 point play. Nikola Vucevic would tie the game before Dlo hit a step back three to put the Nets up with 27 seconds left. Treveon Graham then fouled Terrance Ross who was attempting a three, but he missed the second free throw attempt and the Nets led by 1. Dinwiddie hit 1/2 free throws, and the Nets led by 2 wit 9.6 seconds left. Evan Fournier tried to send the game into OT, but missed and the Nets won. Brooklyn is now 16-5 in their last 21, and are in sole possession of the 6th seed in the east.

The Nets were once again led by D’Angelo Russell who finished the game with 40 points and 7 assists on 8-12 shooting from deep. Russell scores 19 straight points for the Nets at one point. Russell all star bid is getting stronger each and every game. Spencer Dinwiddie had another good game, finishing with 20 points on 6-11 shooting. Dinwiddie looks like he’s back to himself after going through a bit of a rough stretch. Shabazz Napier finished with 12 points and 4 assists. Lastly, Ed Davis once again made an impact finishing with 8 points and 9 rebounds. The Nets will face Orlando again next Wednesday, and the Magic will definitely be looking for revenge after their collapse tonight.

For the Magic, their big men dominated. Aaron Gordon finished with 23 points on 9-13 shooting, and Nikola Vucevic finished with a double double in which he recorded 16 points and 17 rebounds. Both Gordon and Vucevic have become Nets killers in these past 2 seasons, as they abuse the Nets big men. DJ Augustine also had a good game, finishing with 17 points on 7-10 shooting. Lastly, Evan Fournier finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds but will most likely be displeased with himself for not forcing the game into OT. Fournier has been clutch for the Magic this year, but he could not pull out his heroics tonight. I expect the Magic to come out very angrily when the play the Nets next Wednesday.

What’s Next?

Brooklyn returns home to face the Kings Monday afternoon, while the Magic stay home to play the Bucks tomorrow.

#WeGoHard