Orlando Magic secure thrilling comeback victory against Nets
The Orlando Magic continued their unbeaten streak in NBA Cup play with a hard-fought 105-98 victory against the Brooklyn Nets at the Kia Center. With the clock winding down and the Magic trailing 98-94 with less than two minutes left, the team rallied impressively. A critical trio of 3-pointers—one from Tristan da Silva and two from Franz Wagner—propelled them to a five-point lead with just 43.9 seconds remaining. The Magic’s defense then stepped up to secure the win, solidifying their position as a formidable contender in the tournament.
Injury challenges and standout performances
In a notable twist, Paolo Banchero, the Magic’s star forward, was sidelined due to a groin strain sustained in the previous game against the New York Knicks. This injury prompted the Magic to elevate da Silva to the starting lineup, a decision that paid off handsomely. Da Silva showcased his skills with a standout performance, scoring 22 points on an efficient 8-of-14 shooting, including five successful 3-pointers.
The early stages of the game presented challenges for the Magic, as they struggled to establish a rhythm and fell behind by double digits in the first quarter. However, their resilience shone through as they chipped away at the Nets’ lead, ultimately leveraging their defensive prowess to secure their third consecutive win.
Climbing back to .500
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Magic, bringing their record to 7-6 and placing them over .500 for the first time since their season opener, when they secured a win against the Miami Heat. The team’s ability to adapt and thrive under pressure bodes well for their season moving forward.
Looking ahead, the Magic will face the Houston Rockets on Sunday, another challenging matchup as they continue to build momentum in this early part of the season. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. ET, and fans will be eager to see if the Magic can maintain their impressive form.
