The Brooklyn Nets clashed with the Orlando Magic, who had been on a winning streak of nine games. In an impressive performance, Mikal Bridges and the Nets handed the Magic their second consecutive defeat.
Bridges, fueled by chants of “Brooklyn Bridges” from the home crowd, scored a remarkable 42 points, with 26 coming in the first quarter and 34 in the first half. The Nets sealed a decisive 129-101 victory at Barclays Center.
Despite falling just three points short of his career-high of 45, achieved in an overtime loss to Atlanta on Nov. 22, Bridges left a lasting impact on the game.
“I really don’t care about [the career-high], I just wanted to win this game,” Bridges said afterward. “Me scoring like that, I just didn’t want to lose that game.”
Anticipating a strong performance from Mikal Bridges, Nets coach Jacque Vaughn noted the player’s determined reaction following Thursday’s disappointing loss to the Hornets.
The defeat ended the Nets’ chance at a perfect 5-0 homestand, leaving them with a 10-9 record.
“I knew [Mikal] would be ready to play. He was as frustrated and disappointed as I was after the Charlotte game,” Vaughn said.
Mikal Bridges scores 42 points to propel Nets past red-hot Magic https://t.co/bsb4uD8T9B pic.twitter.com/ofSlgK1QiL
— New York Post (@nypost) December 3, 2023
