The Nets have continued to prove that they’re a second-half team.
On Tuesday, they delivered their third come-from-behind win of the season, topping the Magic 124-104 to erase a three-point halftime deficit.
The Nets’ other two comeback victories were against the Heat on Nov. 1 and the Clippers on Nov. 8, erasing 10-point and three-point deficits, respectively.
They have been able to edge out their opponents late in the game by out-rebounding, forcing turnovers, keeping turnovers to a minimum, and playing at a fast pace.
Orlando led by 60-57 at the half Tuesday but was outplayed after the break as the Nets collected 44 rebounds to the Magic’s 37, had 13 steals to the visitors’ nine while scoring 31 fast-break points. The Nets outscored Orlando 36-18 in the fourth quarter.
“I think, overall, definitely more aggressive in the second half,” said coach Jacque Vaughn after the win. “A few 50/50 balls that we didn’t come away with in the first half that we were able to grab onto in the second half, so I thought we were definitely more active, more aggressive, deflections, steals, turning them over, our ability to get to offensive rebounding.
“We’re always talking about that shot margin. Those are things that really push things in our favor. So, a really good response and effort from our guys. We talked about being better tonight on both ends of the floor; our guys were definitely better.”
The Nets outscored the Clippers 27-22 in both the third and fourth quarters, and outscored Miami 32-22 in the final quarter.
“Love seeing those fast-break points. The ability to turn people over, it’s just that the quality of the shot that you usually get because … you have an advantage in transition,” Vaughn said. “So, the more opportunities that we can create and dictate possessions and be able to turn guys over, that’s only going to be to our advantage.”
Ben Simmons and Cam Thomas remain listed as out for the Nets.
Simmons is suffering yet another back injury. This time, it’s nerve impingement in his left lower back that likely won’t require surgery or a long-term absence. He will miss at least another week.
Thomas’ left ankle sprain will be re-evaluated in two weeks. The team’s leading scorer suffered the injury against the Clippers when he stepped on P.J. Tucker’s foot.