ORLANDO — The Nets turned their biggest lead of the season into their most galling loss of the year.
Brooklyn squandered a huge cushion in the second quarter, and a late edge in the fourth, only to fall 105-98 to the Magic before 17,902 at Kia Center.
The Nets had led by 16 points -— their biggest cushion of this tanking campaign — and by 98-94, before coughing up the final 11 points of the contest.
Michael Porter Jr. had 24 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high seven assists — albeit only one after the first quarter — and no turnovers.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (17) looks to pass in front of Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) during the first quarter at Kia Center. Mike Watters-Imagn Images
But the Nets got hammered 46-34 on the glass, with center Nic Claxton managing just four rebounds — and failing to get a huge one that led to a clutch Franz Wagner 3-point dagger in the waning moments.
Wagner had a game-high 25 for the Magic, who closed on an 11-0 run.
The NBA Cup defeat saw Brooklyn fall to a league-worst 1-11, keeping them tied with Indiana and Washington for the best odds in the lottery.
Tyrese Martin of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the Orlando Magic during the 2025-26 Emirates Cup on November 14, 2025 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. NBAE via Getty Images
The Wizards have lost 10 straight and seem to be gunning for the top lottery seed with a single-minded determination.
The Nets play in Washington on Sunday.
