Orlando, Fla. – In an impressive display of resilience, the Orlando Magic pulled off a thrilling victory against the Brooklyn Nets, overcoming a significant 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter to secure a 102-101 triumph. The decisive moment came with just 1.3 seconds remaining when Cole Anthony skillfully drove to the basket for a layup, sealing the game in favor of the Magic.

With the game on the line, Cam Thomas had the opportunity to win it but missed a jumper from the corner as the clock expired. Throughout the match, Anthony contributed 10 points, while his teammate Tristan da Silva shone in the clutch, scoring 13 of his total 21 points during the critical fourth period. Goga Bitadze also made a significant impact, recording a solid stat line with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.

This latest comeback marked Orlando’s second in just over a week, having previously rallied from a 25-point deficit to triumph over the Miami Heat 121-114 on December 21. For the Nets, Thomas, returning from a 13-game absence due to a left hamstring injury, led the team with 25 points, coming off the bench. Jalen Wilson added 16 points, which included crucial free throws in the dying moments of the game.

The Nets have seen better days, now experiencing their seventh loss in the past nine games, and they were without notable player Dorian Finney-Smith, who was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier on Sunday. Over the course of the season, Brooklyn has utilized a remarkable 11 different starting lineups in their four encounters with the Magic, and only Cam Johnson has consistently been in that starting role for all four matchups.

For the Magic, this victory not only completed a season sweep over the Nets, but also capped off a 3-4 holiday homestand. Their ability to turn around double-digit deficits was crucial, as they demonstrated perseverance in their victories against Miami, Boston, and Brooklyn during the stretch.

A pivotal moment came when Anthony, who did not feature in the first half, sparked a 13-0 run for Orlando with a critical three-pointer, effectively igniting his team’s comeback after trailing by as much as 20 points earlier in the game.

In terms of statistics, the Nets managed to shoot 13 for 30 from beyond the arc. Looking ahead, the Nets will face off against Toronto, while the Magic are set to visit Detroit on Wednesday night.