By Josh CohenJan. 8, 2016
Quick Analysis
The Magic made timely 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and their persistence on defense overwhelmed the Nets down the stretch. Aaron Gordon hit a pair of triples, Mario Hezonja drilled one and Victor Oladipo connected on one of his career-best six threes during a critical stretch early in the fourth. The Magic made 13 3-pointers in the game. More impressive, though, was Orlando’s tenacious defense whenever Brooklyn attacked inside. The Nets shot just 39.7 percent overall and scored 38 points in the paint (seven points less than their season average).
Key Notes
Since returning to the starting lineup as a point guard, Oladipo has been playing with a ton of confidence. So much so that in the past two games he has buried 10 3-pointers, including a career-best six en route to 20 points in Friday’s win. He has also grabbed a combined 21 rebounds in the last three games (nine vs. Nets).
While he continues to struggle with his shot (3-of-15), Tobias Harris flirted with a triple-double with nine points, 12 rebounds and a career-high eight assists.
The 77 points the Magic allowed was the second fewest this season. Only the game in Denver when Orlando limited the Nuggets to 74 points was a better mark. It was also the first time the Magic prevented their opponent from shooting 40 percent or higher since the last time they were in Brooklyn (Dec. 14).
Star of the Night
Oladipo continues to be the Magic’s most reliable defender – three steals and one block — and suddenly his perimeter shot has come alive – career-best six 3-pointers. He shot 7-for-11 overall and grabbed nine rebounds.
Turning Point of the Game
It’s hard to single out just one of the five 3-pointers the Magic made in the fourth quarter. But considering Gordon’s three with 10:11 left gave Orlando the lead, that shot and moment deserves recognition. Also, Gordon connected on a go-ahead layup with 6:20 remaining and the Magic rolled from there.
Marquee Matchup
Nikola Vucevic and Brook Lopez always have great battles against one another and Friday was no different. Vucevic finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds (first time with double digit rebounds since Dec. 26 against Miami) and Lopez had 17 points and eight boards.
