NBA: Spencer Dinwiddie’s 29 Points Spark Brooklyn Nets Over Orlando Magic

BY: ANDREW LAM – SPORTS ON AIR US CORRESPONDENT

NEW YORK — Spencer Dinwiddie took charge with 29 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds to lead the Brooklyn Nets to an easy 124-104 thumping of the Orlando Magic at the Barclay’s Center.

The triumph stretched the Nets’ modest win streak to two. They also improved their Eastern Conference Group C record to 2-1 in the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament.

Mikal Bridges added 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists while Cam Johnson chipped in 20 points. Day’Ron Sharpe finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

“A really good response and effort from our guys. We talked about being better tonight on both ends of the floor and our guys were definitely better,” Brooklyn head coach Jacque Vaughn told reporters.

Franz Wagner paced the visiting Magic with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. but it wasn’t enough for an Orlando team that shot just 43.9 percent from the field (36-of-82),

The defeat dropped Orando’s all-time record at Barclay’s at 4-16.

“I think (there were) a lot of turnovers, and they got open shots in transition. Offensively, we lost our flow a bit,” Wagner said.

But Orlando’s woes had a lot to do with the Nets’ stifling defense that notched a season-high 13 steals while manufacturing 27 points on 16 turnovers.

The Nets went off to a strong start and made 7-of-10 field goals including six from long distance. The torrid shooting allowed them to erect a 14-point lead.

Orlando shot 52. percent from the field in the first half and took a slim 60-57 edge at halftime. at halftime.

But all that went for naught as the Nets exploded for 67 points in the second haf.

Despite the loss, Wagner saw a sliver of silver lining.

“I think in all of our games, we’re getting leads, and that’s a good thing…I think we’ve improved a lot from last year.”