Spencer Dinwiddie Praises Brooklyn Nets' Depth After 29-Point Brilliance
In the Nets’ 127-107 victory over the Orlando Magic, no player shined brighter than Spencer Dinwiddie. He helped the Nets build a commanding lead in the fourth quarter by scoring 12 of his 29 points in the final 12 minutes.
This marked a positive shift for the Nets, considering Spencer played a diminished role in the initial games of the season; his 29-point performance signaled a return to form, affirming his merit for increased shot opportunities, even in the presence of Cameron Thomas.
“I think it has a lot to do with the twins (Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson). Obviously, they’re a part of the Brooklyn Nets core going forward, and so we kinda go as they go,” Dinwiddie said in his post-game presser. “I think the Brooklyn Nets have a strong core going forward. As long as you can get the majority of those guys out there then we have a shot to win.”
Spencer deserves credit for his performance
Being one of the most experienced players on the team, Dinwiddie had his best performance of the 2023/24 season against the Magic. He scored 29 points but he also dished out eight assists, which were especially important since Ben Simmons is still out with an injury to his hip area.
He was an explosive scorer for the whole game as he was hitting shots from beyond the arc but also thriving in transition with layups and mid-range jumpers. This was what most people expected from Dinwiddie heading into the season but with the emergence of Cameron Thomas and Lonnie Walker IV, the seasoned guard only averaged 8.4 shots per game before this Magic matchup.
During his post-game interview, Mikal Bridges took the opportunity to acknowledge Dinwiddie's outstanding performance, emphasizing that the University of Colorado Boulder product played a crucial role in carrying the team through the game.
The Nets will keep using depth to their advantage
It wasn't just Dinwiddie and Bridges who delivered standout performances against the Magic; nearly the entire team showcased impressive efforts. Six players achieved double-figure scoring, with contributions from Walker, Cameron Johnson, Royce O’Neale, and Day’Ron Sharpe, all playing key roles in securing the victory.
The depth has continued to be a positive for coach Jacque Vaughn and they’re doing this without Simmons and Thomas who are integral to their team. They still have Trendon Watford waiting on the bench who remains ready for an opportunity.
Spencer is accurate in highlighting Brooklyn's depth, given their 6-5 record, which positions them favorably compared to most teams. They are well-positioned for the Playoff race, aiming for an automatic Playoff spot and seeking to bypass the Play-In Tournament.