Magic Cruise Past Nets in Home Opener with Strong Bench Performance
Photo from Orlando Magic Instagram
Orlando’s Wagner Duo Lead the Charge
In front of a lively home crowd, the Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets 116-101 Friday night. Franz Wagner showcased his scoring prowess, tallying an impressive 29 points to lead the Magic’s offense. His brother, Mo Wagner, added a valuable 18 points, coming off the bench to provide crucial support. Their combined effort helped energize the team, setting the pace for the Magic's strong showing.
Banchero Overcomes Slow Start
Paolo Banchero finished with 15 points and nine assists despite struggling in the first half with shooting. Though he went scoreless in the first half, he found his rhythm after halftime, creating plays for teammates. Banchero’s resilience exemplified the team’s collective determination to secure a win against Brooklyn. Wendell Carter contributed ten rebounds, giving the team much-needed presence in the paint.
Brooklyn’s Struggles with Fouls and Turnovers
Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas scored 24 points, while Dennis Schroeder added 20 to keep the Nets in contention. However, turnovers plagued the Nets, who accumulated 37 through their first two games, hindering their momentum. Ben Simmons’ foul trouble added to Brooklyn’s woes, forcing him to the bench late in the third quarter. Brooklyn faced a daunting free-throw differential of minus-33, compounding their difficulties on the road.
Magic’s 13-0 Run Seals the Game
The game's turning point came when Franz Wagner broke a 65-65 tie with two free throws. Those free throws sparked a 13-0 run, during which Simmons went to the bench with five fouls. Brooklyn never got closer than eight points after that pivotal stretch, effectively sealing their fate. The Nets struggled to regain footing, allowing the Magic to cruise to victory by double digits.
Impressive Long-Range Shooting Sets Magic Apart
The Magic capitalized on their three-point shooting, hitting 33 triples across their first two games of the season. Shooting a consistent 41.8% from beyond the arc, Orlando showed its offensive potential and versatility. Ten different Magic players made at least one three-pointer, highlighting the team’s depth and scoring options. This proficiency from long range underscores an improvement from last season’s league-low of 11 threes per game.
A Promising Home Record and Depth
Orlando’s bench performance and depth continue to impress, particularly when star Paolo Banchero is not at his best. With this victory, the Magic extend their home win streak to eight games, a record dating back to March. However, the team will look to overcome their road struggles as they face Memphis on Saturday night. Brooklyn will aim to regroup and recover for their home opener against Milwaukee on Sunday, hoping for a bounce-back performance.
