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Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 83, Brooklyn Nets 76

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 8, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Thaddeus Young (30) defends against Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) during first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Thaddeus Young (30) defends against Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) during first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic offense did not have to be pretty to win. They got themselves going in the fourth quarter to defeat the Brooklyn Nets.

77. 147. 83. 38. Final

Wins do not have to be pretty. Not ever. They all the count the same. And win No. 20 for the 2016 season was about as ugly as it could get.

The Orlando Magic started things out well enough going up 26-13, but saw that lead slowly dissipate with an 11-point second quarter. The Nets got to the lead eventually by the end of the first half and kept the Magic mired in the muck.

Then again, Orlando did not do much to help itself, failing to move the ball and missing the few open shots it did get. If not for the defense holding steady — save for a few bailout fouls and poor rotations. The defense seemed to be rounding into form and playing with energy.

The Magic though kept the defense up despite the offense not quite getting itself together. They kept at it until things broke through.

Orlando got the ball moving again in the fourth quarter, moving well off the ball and attacking quickly off crisp passes. The Magic had their formula and pulled away for the win.

B. <p><strong><a href=. F. Orlando Magic. TOBIAS HARRIS

<p><strong><a href=. G. Orlando Magic. VICTOR OLADIPO. B+

Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC. B-. <p><strong><a href=. C

A-. <p><strong><a href=. F. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON

10-26. 14th East. BROOKLYN NETS. C. <p>Well, the Brooklyn Nets are certainly not one of the best teams in the NBA. They did not play a great game and found themselves in it into the fourth quarter.</p><p>Holding a team to 11 points in a quarter is a great sign. Even coming back from 13 points, a team has to find a way to take control from there. And the way the Magic scored with ease in the first quarter — 116.5 offensive rating for the Magic in the first quarter — and fourth quarter — 109.5 offensive rating — and slowed the Nets in those quarters — sub 75.0 offensive rating for the Nets in each period — that is not a good look for any team.</p><p>The Nets got good energy from the bench and that helped them seize control. But they really had no chance once the Magic focused in and put their clamps on the game.</p>