The Brooklyn Nets captured their first win of the season, and a home opening victory over the Orlando Magic, 126-121.
- Brooklyn Nets (1-1)
- Orlando Magic (1-1)
- NBA Final Box Score
- Barclays Center – Brooklyn, New York
Despite a career game from Orlando center Nikola Vucevic (41 points), the Nets held on for their first win of the season.
Without point guard Jeremy Lin, the offense struggled early on, but found a smooth stride in the back end of the game.
D’Angelo Russell led Brooklyn to the win in the final minutes of play, scoring six consecutive points to give the team a late 121-116 lead.
He had 17 points and 6 assists on the night, including this nasty crossover on Magic rookie Jonathan Isaac.
D'Angelo magic ✨ pic.twitter.com/dYZzwh1d8z
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 21, 2017
Defense and free throws did the rest, and the game was sealed when Magic guard Evan Fournier missed a game-tying three in the final seconds. Trevor Booker got the rebound, was fouled, and sunk two free throws to put the game out of reach.
Originally labeled as a salary dump, forward DeMarre Carroll was the quiet force behind tonight’s win. He was active in the paint, and connected on three shots from deep. Carroll ended the night with 17 points and 8 rebounds.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was the defensive prowl tonight, and put the clamps on Vucevic late in the game. He stuffed the stat sheet with 15 points, 3 steals, and 3 blocks.
RHJ's newfound jumper is going to make his PnR game with Russell all the more tricky to defend. In addition to all DLo brings now RH has a J pic.twitter.com/pW5Q0WYdCE
— Nicholas LeTourneau (@nick_lt) October 21, 2017
After the Nets’ starting point guard went down in the season opener against the Pacers, the bench was challenged to step up. Tonight, they responded.
Backup point guard Spencer Dinwiddie was phenomenal. In 24 minutes he scored 16 points, dished 5 dimes, and tallied 5 rebounds.
He was the main facilitator when Russell hit the bench.
.@SDinwiddie_25 with the drive inside! pic.twitter.com/oYLf9d0Mnt
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 21, 2017
Forward Trevor Booker not only sealed the game with two free throws, but in a double-double performance, scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
Rookie Jarrett Allen saw his first substantial NBA minutes. He scored 9 points on the evening, including this dunk over the Magic center.
THIS on replay ? pic.twitter.com/yTDwJ9Gz97
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) October 21, 2017
Overall, it was a good team win all things considered. Nine different players posted nine or more points. The Brooklyn bench outscored Orlando’s 64-34.
Improvement for the next game? Perimeter defense is the first thing that comes to mind.
The Nets allowed Orlando 18 three-pointers on 55 percent shooting. It will be the headline of tomorrow’s practice assuredly.
Russell had sloppy hands early on that lead to 8 turnovers on the night. It wasn’t pretty, but his late game heroics get him the pass for now.
The Brooklyn Nets remain home for Sunday’s game, when they host the Atlanta Hawks. Tip-off is at 3:30 PM EST.
