© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The Brooklyn Nets’ huge fourth quarter lifts them over the Orlando Magic
The Brooklyn Nets have improved to a 6-5 regular season record and 2-1 in the In-Season Tournament with a 124-104 win over the Orlando Magic. This result holds significant importance for the Nets, especially considering their early-season challenges in breaking away from opponents; however, they have now successfully achieved a substantial blowout win.
Spencer Dinwiddie led the way for Brooklyn as he scored 29 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished out eight assists. The Nets had six players score in double figures with Mikal Bridges' 21 points and Cameron Johnson's 20 points.
“Really good response and effort from our guys,” Coach Jacque Vaughn said in his post-game presser. “We talked about being better tonight on both ends of the floor, and our guys were definitely better.”
The Nets have to be more consistent
While the Nets won this game, there are some points they have to improve on. They built a 14-point lead early in the first quarter but they then conceded 11 points in the period to Joe Ingles.
In the second quarter, they continued to have issues with Nic Claxton's foul trouble which made the Magic more confident to outscore them 28-7 in eight minutes to take the lead 60-57 at halftime.
The second half was much better for the Nets as they closed out the third quarter with a 15-7 run. They then used that momentum to get a 22-9 run at the start of the fourth quarter which they never looked back from.
Dinwiddie was the star of the fourth as he scored 12 of his 29 in the final period while Royce O’Neale also chipped in with seven points in the final 12 minutes.
There is a good foundation for the rest of the season
The Nets were impressive in the second half of this game as they were fluid on offense while also imperious in defensive possessions. Coach Jacque Vaughn’s preferred transition style was also apparent in this game as they outscored the Magic 31 to 7 in that department.
“I think we were just playing defense, flying around for each other and being aggressive,” Mikal Bridges said in his post-game interview. “We work on our shots every day, we trust our work, and we trust each other.”
The offense is flowing well even without starting guards Ben Simmons and Cameron Thomas. Upon their return, the Nets will field a team brimming with confidence, giving fans ample reasons for excitement as everyone regains full health.
