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Orlando Magic Grades: Brooklyn Nets 114, Orlando Magic 110

By Philip Rossman-Reich

BROOKLYN, NY - JANUARY 23: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 23, 2019 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JANUARY 23: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on January 23, 2019 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic came inches away from topping the Brooklyn Nets as Nikola Vucevic’s tip-in late was called off for basket interference.

147. Final. 110. 38. 114

Nikola Vucevic had a look of disgusted resignation on his face. All he could do was stare up at the replay screens like the rest of the world as the officials in the Barclays Center and replay officials in Secaucus, N.J. decided his fate. He probably already knew.

The Orlando Magic had rallied from a five-point deficit in the final minute of the game and gave themselves a chance to win in a sloppy finish to the game. They were within one possession and had their fingertips on the game-tying basket.

Evan Fournier got the switch he and the Magic wanted getting Treveon Graham on Nikola Vucevic and Jarrett Allen guarding the ball handler. Evan Fournier attacked the basket and got to the rim, looking for redemption from Friday’s two-point loss where Fournier missed a layup in the exact same situation at the buzzer.

Fournier again missed but Vucevic had fought his way to the front of the rim. And the ball was falling off perfectly for him to tip it in and send the game to overtime.

The line between winning and losing is that fine. Vucevic lept just a split second early and touched the ball while just a hair of it was still above the cylinder. The officials correctly ruled it an offensive interference and the Magic’s hopes had sunk.

The Brooklyn Nets continued their late-game mastery with a 114-110 win over the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center on Wednesday.

Orlando again struggled down the stretch to make quality shots. The Magic entered the final moments tied but missed several shots down the stretch while the Nets got key baskets from DeMarre Carroll and Spencer Dinwiddie.

Orlando shot 42.7 percent from the floor but stayed in the game thanks to 28 free throw attempts. Brooklyn made only 10 of 32 3-point attempts, blunting some of the effects the team usually gets from the outside.

D’Angelo Russell still dropped 25 points to go with 10 assists and seven rebounds. Orlando’s defensive intensity waxed and waned throughout the game. Until midway through the third quarter, the Magic were struggling to meet the Nets physically. The intensity was not at the level it needed to be.

But Orlando kept Brooklyn within distance. The game never was out of reach. And at the end, the Magic used some desperate defensive plays to give themselves a chance at the end.

The chance to win literally was an inch away.

B-. Nikola Vucevic is going to get a lot of heat for this one. In some ways, it is deserved. It was not just the tip in that was a goaltend. In a previous possession, he lost control of a rebound with <a rel=. C. Orlando Magic. NIKOLA VUCEVIC

F. It is getting harder and harder to figure out Evan Fournier’s ups and downs. After scoring 29 points in Monday’s win over the <a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER

B+. <a href=. F. Orlando Magic. JONATHAN ISAAC

<a href=. F. Orlando Magic. AARON GORDON. B

B-. The Brooklyn Nets have a confidence about them late in games that enable them to make some big plays. There is a clear belief in what they are doing and that belief is evident when the game is on the line especially. But there were a few cracks and the Orlando Magic did a good job keeping the game tight and making their run.<p>The Nets were in control of this game and did a good job breaking down the Magic’s defense throughout the game. They had 58 points in the paint and 20 assists on 43 field goal makes. Brooklyn’s offense was churning.</p><p>That is, except for the 16 turnovers. The Nets did a good job limiting the Magic’s shooting, but fouled a lot and allowed their opponent to hang around. This was a good enough game from Brooklyn with D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie (29 points) turning in spectacular games. But they can certainly do better.</p>. 26-23. 6th East. BROOKLYN NETS

Next. Orlando Magic hunting for Playoff mentality. dark

The Orlando Magic return home for another critical matchup with the Washington Wizards at the Amway Center on Friday. They are three games out of the final Playoff spot.