After a 35-point blowout on Friday at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Orlando Magic needed something good to happen. They got their wish when the New Jersey Nets were the next team on their schedule.
Orlando dominated the Nets on Monday, 105-82 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Monday. After playing even for a quarter, the Magic steadily pulled away to break a two-game skid and erase many of the bad memories from Friday.
Jarrett Jack hit a three-pointer for New Jersey just 15 seconds into the game, giving the Nets a short-lived lead. The Magic bounced back and led by 6, but settled for a 25-25 tie after one quarter.
The Nets again jumped on top to start the second period and still led two-thirds of the way through the quarter. But with 4:31 left, Channing Frye nailed a three-pointer to put the Magic up, 42-41. Orlando closed the half on a 14-6 run to take a 52-45 lead into the dressing room.
Elfrid Payton gave the Magic a double-digit lead at 67-55 on a three-pointer with under 7 minutes left in the third period. They led 83-69 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Magic played an outstanding fourth quarter. They opened the period on a 16-4 run by hitting 6 of 7 shots to open up a 99-73 lead with 6:13 remaining. The Magic coasted to the victory from there.
Orlando placed six players in double figures led by Nikola Vucevic with 18 points followed by Payton with 17. Tobias Harris and Andrew Nicholson each had 15 points for the winners. The Magic shot 54 percent from the field, helped in part by 12 steals setting up some easy baskets.
The Nets were led by Jack with 15 points and Andrea Bargnani with 12. Brooklyn shot 39 percent from the field.
Orlando’s victory was their first in Brooklyn since that franchise moved from New Jersey in 2012. The Magic improved to 13-11 and stand in third place in the Southeast Division. They are 6-7 on the road.
The Magic return home Wednesday night to face the division-leading Charlotte Hornets.
