Mikal Bridges and the Nets dominate in 129-101 victory over streaking Magic

NEW YORK (AP) — Mikal Bridges had a standout performance, scoring 42 points, with 26 of those coming in the first quarter, as the Nets ended the Orlando Magic’s nine-game winning streak with a 129-101 win on Saturday night.

The Magic were aiming for a historic 10-game winning streak but were no match for Bridges and the Nets, who surged to a 43-22 lead after the first 12 minutes of play.

This loss marked the Magic’s first since Nov. 14, when the Nets had previously defeated them 124-104 at Barclays Center.

Bridges went 12 for 20 from the field and 15 for 18 from the free throw line, falling just three points short of his career high.

Spencer Dinwiddie contributed 22 points, Cam Thomas had 20, and Dennis Smith Jr. finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Nets, who have won four of their last five games.

Franz Wagner scored 20 points, and Cole Anthony added 20 off the bench for the Magic.

Despite Orlando’s shooting struggles, they managed to trim the Nets’ lead to single digits in the third quarter, but Dinwiddie responded with a 9-5 run to extend the Nets’ lead to 98-85 heading into the final quarter.

Bridges extended Brooklyn’s lead to 20 with a key play, but narrowly missed tying his career-high of 45 points with a three-pointer.

Brooklyn led by as many as 25 points in the first half thanks to Bridges’ stellar performance, helping them take a 73-51 lead at halftime.

Bridges’ 26-point first quarter was the highest scoring opening period in an NBA game since the 2021-22 season, when Dallas’ Luka Doncic had 28 against the Los Angeles Clippers.

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Magic: Visit the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.

Nets: Visit the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.