Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 83, Brooklyn Nets 76
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.
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.