Between a team on a mission and another already half on vacation, the balance was quick to tip in favor of Brooklyn, who did what was necessary at home to afford the Magic. The Floridians will have held a quarter, thanks in particular to the passages of Markelle Fultz and Kevon Harris in scoring to respond to the assaults of the leaping Nic Claxton and the snipers Royce O’Neale and Joe Harris (27-23).
From the start of the second act, the 15-2 inflicted by Brooklyn has already placed Orlando in trouble, as on Seth Curry’s 3 + 1 or Cameron Johsnon’s dunk (42-25). From then on, the Nets had to manage the gap and did so diligently.
Mikal Bridges and Seth Curry brought their stone to the building behind the arc as well as Nic Claxton on two dunks to allow the locals to spend half-time in the warm (58-39). Spencer Dinwiddie in the pass and Mikal Bridges in scoring ensured the return from the locker room. And even when Orlando went 8-0 to end the period, Brooklyn responded with a 3-pointer to the buzzer in the third quarter signed Royce O’Neale (78-62).
The meeting regained interest when, as often, Orlando tried a run to get back into the game by attacking the last act with a 13-7 scored by 3-pointers from Cole Anthony, Chuma Okeke and Admiral Schofield (85-75 ).
It was then Cameron Johnson, well served by Spencer Dinwiddie, who restarted the machine with a dunk, followed by Mikal Bridges’ 2+1. This time, Orlando dropped the case and Brooklyn was able to savor its victory synonymous with direct qualification for the playoffs (101-84).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Nets did the job. After the departures of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in early February, Brooklyn had set itself the task of keeping its place in the top 6. The battle will have been tough but the objective is achieved with this 45th victory in hand. Jacque Vaughn’s men will have the opportunity to face the Sixers in the best of seven rounds, without pressure, but with a lot of desire.
– Orlando already on vacation. Beyond the notable absences of Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr, Gary Harris and Moritz Wagner, the Magic did not really shine by the opposition offered this night with rather horrible marksmanship percentages (35.6% including 18.4 % to 3-pointers) and a total of 21 lost balls. So after three quarters, the Floridians had scored only 62 points, the lowest total conceded by Brooklyn this season. Another little effort this Sunday before the holidays.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Nic Claxton. The Nets pivot is not the most talented but his aggressiveness was rewarded with a very nice double-double at 14 points (6/9 shooting) and 15 rebounds. Let the Magic take the seed
✅⛔ The Dinwiddie-Bridges pair. The two leaders of the Nets had a very complicated evening in scoring but were able to find a way to have influence in the game. Spencer Dinwiddie thus delivered 14 assists to compensate for his 2/11 in shooting, while Mikal Bridges remained aggressive until the end and responded to the important moments, even seeing himself rewarded with a few “MVPs” during his last free throw.
⛔ Bowl Bowl. Difficult to fire on the ambulance so much the Magic was timid this night. These matches are always great opportunities for players looking for exposure in particular. And in these last two games, Bol Bol could have done much better. Despite his 3 blocks, he weighed too little overall, as evidenced by his sad 1/9 shooting in 18 minutes.
THE FOLLOWING
Brooklyn (45-36) : the Nets will end the regular season by receiving the Sixers, their future opponent in the first round of the playoffs (01:00).
Orlando (34-47) : end of the season in Chicago for the Magic this Sunday (7 p.m.).
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D= defensive rebound; T = Total Bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
