Rather than join his teammates for their home opener, Jeremy Lin was in the hospital due to his ruptured patella tendon in his right knee. In an interview with the CBS Sports, Coach Kenny Atkinson of the Nets admitted he was frustrated by the way Nets played on both ends. He added that his team could have done a better job against the Magic. This could be attributed to the adjustments made by the players in their new rotations without their starting guard. Meanwhile, Nikola Vucevic of the Magic said that his team committed too many mistakes defensively.

They should have done stops down the stretch to stop Nets' victory. Aside from the third quarter, the Nets were able to keep their lead throughout the game scoring 29-27, 29-28 and 37-30. Although the Magic took the lead in the third quarter (36-31), the Nets wrapped up the game with a 5 point advantage (126-121). The Nets performed with a total of 50.0 percent field goals, 33.3 percent in the 3 point range and 71.4 percent free throws against the Magic with 50.6 percent total field goals, 54.5 percent 3 point shots and 86.7 percent free throws.

Carroll, Russell, and Booker scored 17 points for the Nets

De Marre Carroll scored 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Playing from the bench, Trevor Booker also contributed 17 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists.

Likewise, D'Angelo Russell scored 17 points, three rebounds, six assists and three steals. During their last two contests, Carroll delivered for his team recording a total of 17 boards. Last season, he averaged 1.5 threes across 26.1 minutes per game. On the other hand, Russell had a difficult time without his backcourt mate, Jeremy Lin who had a knee injury.

Considering his effort against the Magic, it seems doubtful he will struggle that much moving forward.

Nikola Vucevic of the Magic finished with a career-high 41 points

Despite their loss, Vucevic collected 41 points, 12 rebounds, and one assist. Trailing behind him was Evan Fornier with a score of 22 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals alongside Terrence Ross with a score of 11 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Vucevik efficiently posted career-high points (41) by taking advantage of the lack of talented centers on the Brooklyn Net's roster. With his improved three-point shots, he was able to efficiently post six threes on the line. He will surely remain a tough cover for his opposing teams if he continues shooting well from long range and bruising in the post.
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