© Jeremy Reper-USA TODAY Sports
Brooklyn falls short in a significant loss to the Orlando Magic
The Brooklyn Nets had a rough start in the first quarter in their 114-106 loss to the Orlando Magic, as they fell to a 16-33 deficit after the first 12 minutes. Coach Kevin Ollie’s team had to play catch-up, but the Nets couldn’t breach the eight-point lead in the fourth quarter.
Cameron Thomas had another solid performance with 21 points and eight rebounds. Mikal Bridges overcame a rough first half, scoring all 17 points in the second half. For the Magic, Paolo Banchero led them with 21 points and nine assists, while six other Magic players scored in double figures.
“They just did a really good job taking the physicality to us. And we just cannot allow a team to do that, especially a team that good,” Ollie said after losing to the Magic.
"We got back in the game, but you can't get down by 15 and 18 in the first half and think you're gonna come back, especially on the road. This is a common theme with us getting down early.”
The Magic’s defense was superb
Orlando’s defense made Bridges’ first half one of his worst performances of the season, failing to register a single point. It was a suffocating defense from Jonathan Isaac and the rest of the Magic squad. They did the same with Thomas in the second half, limiting him to only six points after a 15-point first half.
It was a wire-to-wire victory for the Magic, with their defense being a big part of their success. Both teams forced 13 turnovers, but the defensive scheme of blitzing Thomas and Bridges in the pick-and-roll limited the Nets’ offense, especially during that first quarter.
The Play-In hopes are getting bleak
Brooklyn is still the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference with a shot at qualifying for the Play-In Tournament. However, the tenth-seeded Hawks still have a lead despite a loss to the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
The Nets must get more wins while hoping for the Hawks to slip up and have a losing streak. There is still hope for the Nets, but they must realize it’s not in their hands anymore. All they can do is win the games on their schedule, and this loss to Orlando could’ve been a much better result.
