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Nets 3-1 in Summer League as Dzanan Musa scores 20

By Net Income
2019 Las Vegas Summer League - Orlando Magic v Brooklyn Nets Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images

The Nets beat the Magic, 93-85, in Las Vegas Wednesday to go 3-1 in the Summer League. Brooklyn was led by its four roster players, all of whom scored in double figures with Dzanan Musa finished with 20 points and eight rebounds, dominating play for large stretches of the game including one where he scored 12 of the Nets 14 points.

After the game, Musa tweeted his excitement at the win...

In addition to Musa, who spent much of the game in a playmaker role, Jarrett Allen had a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds while Rodions Kurucs had 14 and Theo Pinson scored 13 points, including Brooklyn’s final seven of the game after Orlando had closed to within 86-83.

But the game was mostly a showcase for the 6’9” Bosnian who shot 8-of-15 overall and 3-of-5 from 3-point range.

Coach Adam Harrington described Musa’s progress.

“In the fourth game, finding his rhythm,” said Harrington. “We did challenge him. He came out really aggressive, was really good to see him get some catch and shoot shots. And I think that’s where he can help us on this Nets roster, providing space and shooting when he’s open. He did that, and then he drove those close-outs; guys had to start coming out on him.

“Just really happy the way he’s continued to grow. We put the ball in his hands a lot and there’s a lot of decisions you have to make and he’s gotten better every game.”

“I just realized that I’m maturing and I think that I’m letting the game come to me,” said Musa. “I’m not going towards the game, I’m not chasing anything. I’m just playing the game that I love, and the second quarter was my quarter, and I’m happy that I helped my guys.”

Brooklyn led by as many as 17 in the first half, but Orlando went on a 28-15 third quarter scoring splurge and kept the game close. With the Nets trailing 73-69 in the fourth, they took control with a 17-3 run capped by two Musa baskets that gave them an 86-76 lead. Orlando got close but Pinson ended the threat.

The Nets won the defensive rebounding battle 36-24 and blocked five shots as a team, two by Allen.

Josh Gray, the only non-roster player to start, had another solid game with nine points, five assists and four rebounds. Nic Claxton played 13 minutes, scoring four points and grabbing six rebounds. Jaylen Hands, the Nets other draft choice, scored six points in 12 minutes.

The Magic’s Jeremiah Hill led all scorers with 21 points, adding six assists and five rebounds for Orlando (1-3). Amile Jefferson totaled 18 points and eight rebounds, and DaQuan Jefferies finished with 15.

Allen spoke post-game about his role as a veteran ... at age 21.

With a 3-1 record, the Nets are in excellent position to earn a spot in the eight-team tournament championship once preliminary round play is completed Thursday. The tournament begins Saturday with the championship game scheduled for Monday.

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