Franz Wagner led the Orlando Magic to a hard-fought 105-98 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night, scoring 25 points. This marked Orlando’s second win in NBA Cup Group play, improving their record while leaving the Nets with a disappointing 0-2.
Tristan da Silva made a significant contribution for the Magic, tallying 22 points and nine rebounds. As the game unfolded, Brooklyn held a narrow lead at 98-94 with just over two minutes left on the clock after a basket by Nic Claxton. However, Orlando responded fiercely; Wagner connected on two crucial three-pointers, while da Silva added another, effectively shutting out the Nets during the final minutes.
Michael Porter Jr. was the standout for the Nets, scoring 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, but they struggled to maintain their momentum. An energetic performance in the fourth quarter from Orlando’s Desmond Bane, who scored nine of his 19 points during that period, and Jalen Suggs, who registered 14 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, proved instrumental in the Magic’s comeback.
Earlier in the game, Brooklyn had surged ahead with a 53-37 lead during the second quarter, benefiting from their 59% shooting and a series of three-pointers. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Orlando tightened their defense. A block by Goga Bitadze on a dunk attempt by Terrance Mann, combined with three-pointers from da Silva and Bane, helped the Magic outscore the Nets 25-5 over an impressive stretch.
Despite a strong start, the Nets struggled in the latter part of the game, hitting only four of their last 29 three-point attempts and suffering their 11th loss in 12 games. Da Silva started in place of injured Paolo Banchero, showcasing the depth of the Magic’s roster.
The teams will be back in action on Sunday, with Orlando set to face the Houston Rockets, while the Nets will take on the Washington Wizards. This latest effort from the Magic demonstrates their resilience and potential as they look to build on this newfound momentum in the ongoing tournament.