By Josh Cohen
July 9, 2015
ORLANDO -- Orlando Magic White will be playing for the Southwest Airlines Orlando Pro Summer League championship on Friday. They defeated the Brooklyn Nets, 65-58, on Thursday to remain undefeated and accumulate enough points to assure a spot in the title game.
It’s a worthy accomplishment considering no players on the roster are under contract in the NBA and only Chris Singleton has extensive NBA experience in the past.
“It’s definitely gratifying (to make title game),” said Magic Coach Anthony Goldwire, who is also an assistant coach for the D-League’s Erie BayHawks. “We were slotted not to win a game. All these guys are hungry.”
Keith Appling continued his impressive play with 19 points. He went 8-of-12 from the free throw line and has attempted a summer league-high 33 foul shots. Appling has scored in double figures in each of Orlando’s four contests.
“He’s the engine that makes us go,” Goldwire said about Appling.
As they have done all week, Keith Benson and Melvin Ejim played physical inside. They combined for 16 rebounds and limited Brooklyn’s frontline to minimal production. Cliff Alexander and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson combined for seven points on 3-of-12 shooting from the field.
Taylor Braun, who celebrated his 24th birthday earlier this week, buried a pair of critical jumpers down the stretch. He finished with eight points. Scottie Wilbekin contributed with 11 points off the bench.
“Instant offense,” Goldwire said about Wilbekin. “We need Scottie scoring.”
The Magic (4-0) held the Nets (0-4) to 31 percent shooting from the field and 19 percent from 3-point distance. Ryan Boatright led Brooklyn with 13 points.
Orlando’s opponent in the title game will either be Miami or Memphis. Both the Heat and Grizzlies were undefeated entering Thursday’s action.