ZCZC
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BASKET-NBA
Russell soars as Nets rally from 21 down to beat Magic
LOS ANGELES, Jan 19, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – D’Angelo Russell drained a clutch
three pointer with 27 seconds remaining as the Brooklyn Nets rallied from a
21-point deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic 117-115 on Friday.
Russell equalled his career high total with 40 points and his three pointer
gave them the lead for the first time since they opened the scoring with the
first basket of the contest.
Spencer Dinwiddie scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half for
Brooklyn, who posted their 16th win in the last 24 games.
The Nets made 19 free throws compared to just 10 for the Magic.
Aaron Gordon scored 23 points, Nikola Vucevic finished with 16 points and
17 rebounds for Orlando, who have lost six of eight.
After Russell hit his key three, the Nets held onto their slim two-point
lead when both teams missed free throws.
Orlando’s Evan Fournier missed a shot in the lane that would have tied it
for Orlando allowing the Nets to sneak off with the win.
The Magic broke the game open by making 11 of their first 15 shots in the
second quarter to lead 58-37.
Russell answered with five baskets from beyond the arc in less than four
minutes to close the gap.
Dinwiddie and Shabazz Napier sparked a second-half rally after the Magic
built a 86-68 lead halfway through the third.
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1010 hrs