Orlando Magic Drops In-Season Tournament Opener vs. Brooklyn Nets
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is still searching for its first In-Season Tournament victory after losing 124-104 to the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center on Tuesday night.
The Magic started the game off flat, surrendering a 14-5 run to the Nets in the early minutes, but Orlando found its groove in the second quarter and even took the lead going into halftime. It's the ninth time the Magic has led after the first half in 10 games so far this season. Yet, the team's record is now 5-5 after tonight due to poor performances in the second half.
The Nets were chipping away throughout the third quarter and ultimately took a lead in the final minute. Brooklyn never trailed the rest of the way. A 16-3 run to begin the fourth quarter buried the Magic into a hole it had no chance to dig out of.
Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) during the second quarter at Barclays Center.
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
For Brooklyn, point guard Spencer Dinwiddie led the way with 29 points and eight assists. He was one of six Nets to finish in double figures, an impressive feat considering high-volume scorer Cam Thomas was out with an ankle injury.
The Magic was dealing with some injuries of its own as Markelle Fultz (knee), Gary Harris (groin) and Wendell Carter Jr. (hand) continued to sit out. Franz Wagner was Orlando's leading scorer with 21 points, while Paolo Banchero scored 19 of his own.
The Magic has a quick turnaround, facing off against the Chicago Bulls tomorrow night. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
