The Orlando Magic choked in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday night, losing 129-92. Nikola Vucevic was able to put up 28 points and 12 rebounds, showing again why he was named to his second All-Star game, despite the loss.
Overview
Orlando
The Magic struggled from behind the arc, shooting only 25% from deep. Nikola Vucevic, who had 28 points, was 12/23 from the field. James Ennis III was Orlando’s second leading scorer, putting up 15 points.
Brooklyn
Even without the presence of Kevin Durant (hamstring), Kyrie Irving and James Harden had terrific games. Irving had 27 points with 9 assists and 5 rebounds. Meanwhile, James Harden had 20 points with 7 assists and 9 rebounds. Nicolas Claxton also performed well for Brooklyn, scoring 10 points in 15 minutes. Claxton, who was selected by Brooklyn with the No. 31 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, has been dealing with various injuries since entering the league (Thursday’s game was Claxton’s second game back from injury).
Nikola Vucevic Will Get Second All-Star Nod
Nikola Vucevic was named an All-Star reserve for the second time in his career. Vucevic is averaging 24.1 PPG and 11.7 RPG through 33 games played, shooting 48.0% from the field.
Michael Carter-Williams is Starting for Orlando
After injuries to Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony, Michael Carter-Williams has stepped into the starting lineup with Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fournier, Al-Farouq Aminu, and James Ennis III. Carter-Williams put up 11 points and 5 assists in the loss to the Nets. Carter-Williams is averaging 7.9 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 3.6 APG so far this season.
Al-Farouq Aminu’s 6th Game Back
Al-Farouq Aminu is still returning from a knee injury, averaging only 3.5 PPG and 3.2 RPG. Aminu had his 3rd start of the year on Thursday, having 2 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. He’s been a little rusty out of the gate, but the Magic will be glad to have his presence back alongside Nikola Vucevic and James Ennis III in the frontcourt.