Magic slap Nets back to reality

MAGIC 106

NETS 86

Two days after Deron Williams' inspirational performance against the New York Knicks, the Nets laid an egg against the Magic in Newark, as Orlando jumped up early on New Jersey and never looked back, at one point building a 34-17 first quarter lead thanks to six points from Dwight Howard, and two long jump shots from Glen Davis, en route to a 106-86 victory.

Williams who dominated the Knicks on Monday, had a fairly quiet night against Orlando. Managing only 23 points on 8-of-18 shooting; the fact that Orlando was up so quickly made any impact by Williams virtually null and void.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Nets offense continues to struggle. The Nets managed only 46 percent from the floor and a hideous 37 percent from three point land. What was most glaring about the loss was the absence of forward Kris Humphries, who was nursing a strained calf. His inside defensive presence was key to their victory on Monday; without him, Dwight Howard and company had a easy night inside the paint.

Orlando built their lead up to 20, a lead that would prove to be insurmountable when Davis connected on a four foot jumper and a layup to give the Magic a 47-27 lead in the second quarter. 

Former Duke star J.J. Redick added a three pointer of his own at the start of second half to make it 61-41, which served as a virtual exclamation point on the night for Orlando.

So much for the Nets hot streak. New Jersey fell back to 10-25 on the season, as their depleated roster continues to put together stinker after stinker.