ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Franz Wagner scored 29 points, brother Mo Wagner added 18 and the Orlando Magic won their home opener, beating the Brooklyn Nets 116-101 on Friday night. Paolo Banchero had 15 points and nine assists after failing to make a field goal in the first half.
Wendell Carter had 10 rebounds. Cam Thomas scored 24 points for Brooklyn, and Dennis Schroeder added 20. Brooklyn had its biggest lead at 53-49 after Ben Simmons scored the first seven points of the second half.
Nets: Thirty-seven turnovers and a free-throw differential of minus-33 made it difficult for the Nets to compete on the road in their first two games. Magic: With big contributions from their bench in both games, the Magic showed they can win when Banchero is not at his best — at least at home. Since March 30, including their first-round playoff loss to Cleveland, the Magic have won eight straight at home while losing seven of eight on the road.
Franz Wagner made two free throws with 5:14 left in the third quarter break a 65-65 tie, opening a 13-0 run during which Simmons went to the bench with his fifth foul. The Nets never again got closer than eight. After finishing last in the NBA with only 11 3-pointers per game last season, the Magic have hit 33 in their first two games while shooting 41.
8%. Ten players hit at least one 3-pointer against the Nets. The Magic play at Memphis on Saturday night.
The Nets will play their home opener Sunday night against Milwaukee. ___ AP NBA: https://apnews.co.
