By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The second day of the NBA season-ending tournament held in Orlando tipped off with the Orlando Magic defeating the Brooklyn Nets, 128-118, in the opener for both sides.
Similar to before the long hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic, the European duo of Evan Fournier and Nikola Vucevic heavily impacted the offense. The French guard posted 24 points with 10/15 from the field including three made shots beyond the arc. His teammate threw in 22 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
The Magic improved to 31-35 to start their eight additional regular season games, a key “W” towards advancing to the playoffs. The Nets, contenders for a postseason berth as well, dropped to 30-35.
The losing side featured three European reserves with Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot leading a late surge and ending up tying his NBA-high with 24 points. Rodions Kurucs finished with seven points and Dzanan Musa with three.
Prior to the game, Jonathan Isaac of the Magic stood during the USA national anthem and also opted not to wear a Black Lives Matter-related shirt, in complete contrast to the rest of the players competing in Friday’s tilt and in opening night.
Photo Credit: Getty Images