The Nets did a much better job of competing on Sunday and that's what allowed the game to stay close until the very end, but it also seemed like the amount of frontcourt injuries

Playing without Cam Thomas, Dorian Finney-Smith, Noah Clowney and Day’Ron Sharpe, the Nets also saw Ben Simmons exit with a knee contusion. They were outrebounded, 52-33, and outscored in the paint, 54-38.

However, the Nets ‘ shorthanded sorcery was nullified in Friday’s 123-100 loss to the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center. Brooklyn played without two of its primary creators in Cam Thomas and Dennis Schröder. While Orlando did not have the luxury of a healthy Paolo Banchero, their superior depth shined through.