Nets win, despite late surge from the Magic
The Brooklyn Nets halted a late Orlando Magic comeback and began 2015 with a win, improving to .500 (16–16) for the first time this season since mid-November. The Nets saw a 26-point lead crumble in the fourth quarter, but were able to leave Orlando with a 100–98 victory over the Magic.
Mason Plumlee led the team in points and rebounding, with 18 and 9 respectively. However, the real heroes for the Nets were Brook Lopez and Deron Williams. In less than 18 minutes of action, Lopez scored 16 points on 7/8 shooting and grabbed 8 rebounds. Williams played his best game as a member of the second-unit, registering 16 points and 7 assists for the Nets.
With the Nets’ victory over the Magic, the Nets have now won six of the past seven games, their best stretch over a seven-game period this season.
For what ended up being a close game, Brooklyn did all the little things right to hold on to the lead. They outrebounded the Magic 45-37, outscored them 50-42 in the paint, and held them to just 42% shooting. The Nets also distributed the ball well during the game, recording 26 assists on 41 field goals.
For Orlando, Victor Oladipo led the team with 17 points, shooting 7/13 from the field.
The Nets hope to continue their win-streak in Miami on Sunday.