Brooklyn Nets lose to Orlando after sloppy fourth quarter
Dec 16, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Serge Ibaka (7) blocks a shot by Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) shot during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Brooklyn Nets were unable to hold on to their lead late in the fourth and lost 118-111 to the Orlando Magic. 

  • Brooklyn Nets (7-18), 111
  • Orlando Magic (12-16), 118
  • NBA, Final, Box Score
  • Orlando, FL, USA

Brooklyn was lucky enough to jump out a quick lead at the end of the first, outscoring Orlando 28-25. The Nets defense was clearly locked in, and they held the Magic to just 38.5 percent from the field while they shot 55 percent themselves.

As the game went on, the Magic improved, and the second quarter was highlighted by a dominating performance from Nikola Vucevic. He played about nine minutes off the bench but was responsible for 11 of Orlando’s 28 points, and the Nets entered halftime down 53-52.

Both teams came out of the break and shot dreadfully; they literally couldn’t throw the ball into the ocean. Brooklyn was able to notch a 30-point quarter because they went a staggering 16-of-18 from the free throw line.

Once the fourth came around, Brooklyn had kept the lead at just one, but Evan “Don’t Google” Fournier certainly left his mark. He totaled 13 points on a perfect 8-of-8 from the charity stripe, and all eight attempts came within the final 2:30.

The Magic shot 19 free throws collectively, while the Nets didn’t shoot any.

Brook Lopez was the game’s leading scorer with 22, and Jeremy Lin had 17 off the bench. Fournier and Vucevic both tallied 21 for Orlando, and Serge Ibaka was also huge with 18 points, ten rebounds and five blocks.

 NEXT: elitesportsny.com/2016/12/09/brooklyn-nets-see-spencer-dinwiddie/ 

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Zach Cronin
http://thebasketballnetwork.com
I'm obsessed with basketball. I play (my hesi pull-up Jimbo is cash), I write and cover the Nets here at ESNY. My work has been seen on Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and FanSided. I also run my company, TBN Media. My favorite NBA player is Isaiah Thomas because I can look him in the eye.

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