Orlando, FL – Third time’s the charm as the Magic get their first win of the season tonight over the Brooklyn Nets 108-81.
After suffering two losses in Brooklyn earlier this season, the Magic secured the victory at home over the Nets in dominating fashion. Despite the Magic not having Paolo Banchero who has now missed his second consecutive game (illness) the team didn’t miss a beat.
Third-year forward Franz Wagner put together a terrific performance in the absence of Banchero finishing with 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Orlando began to pull away from Brooklyn in that second quarter after Franz Wagner got hit in the face with the basketball from Trendon Watford. Wagner immediately rattled off eight straight points that included a few difficult layups and a nice two-handed slam from Anthony Black down low.
Despite a 42-point outburst from Nets forward Mikal Bridges in their last matchup, he was kept in check all evening long. Bridges recorded his lowest scoring output of the season scoring only four points, on 2-14 shooting from the field, 0-7 from deep, and was a -28 when on the floor. Orlando not only limited Bridges all evening, but they also held the Nets to their lowest-scoring output of the entire season at 81 points.
“Focusing on the game plan, I really think that was a big portion of it.” Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosley on the team’s defensive effort on Mikal Bridges tonight. “Focusing on what we know to do, our rotations are right, being able to be active, defend without fouling—and our coaches put together the game plan that these guys followed.”
Markelle Fultz who missed the first two games post All-Star break (left knee injury maintenance) and only appeared in 12 minutes last game in Atlanta, quietly put together a solid performance in tonight’s victory. Fultz appeared in 24 minutes and finished with 12 points, three assists, and one rebound.
“If you notice during the game there is constant communication because I wanna make sure in real time how he’s feeling and making sure we’re not trying to overdo it in a certain situation.”
Jamahl Mosley on Markelle Fultz playing 24 minutes tonight. “It’s gonna be that back and forth as we continue throughout the year to make sure that we keep these guys healthy.”
It was an all-around great effort by this Magic team to get the win tonight as they shot a very efficient 39-74 (52.7%) from the field and 9-25 from deep (36%). Defensively it was a stifling performance as they not only limited Brooklyn to just 81 points they also recorded 14 steals. This was Orlando’s best defensive performance of the season as they limited their opponent to the lowest scoring output of the season, which was previously 86 points in the season opener versus the Houston Rockets.
This was Orlando’s 19th win at home and improved their overall record to 33-26 on the season. Orlando will have Wednesday off as they prepare to host the Utah Jazz on Feb. 29th at the Kia Center