Whitehead, Etienne & Timme combine for 85 points as the Nets narrowly defeat the Magic 122-119

By: Kyle Ludwig

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (Feb 24, 2025) - The Long Island Nets ended with a perfect record on their two game home stand against the Osceola Magic on Sunday. In front of a crowd of over 2,800 fans on Cross Up Cancer Night, the Nets were able to overcome the Magic’s fourth quarter surge thanks to some last second heroics.

Dariq Whitehead, a 2023 first round pick, led the Nets in scoring with 30 points on an impressive 65% field goal efficiency. He also grabbed six rebounds and one assist across 38 minutes of action, completing a well-rounded performance as the young star looks to be recalled back to Brooklyn. 

The undrafted duo of center Drew Timme and shooting guard Tyson Etienne helped to get the Nets out to an early lead, which they maintained until the final buzzer. Timme had another double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds and continues to shine as one of the premier centers in the G-League. 

Etienne, who attended Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, contributed 28 points, six assists and four rebounds. This helped forge a large lead enabling the Nets to secure the victory. 

Despite the skilled showings of Whitehead, Etienne and Timme, the rest of the Nets team struggled to make an impact. Aside from the aforementioned three, only one additional player, Tosan Evbuomwan, scored double digits. Other players, most notably Trevon Scott and Mark Armstrong, struggled throughout the contest. In 30 minutes of game time, Scott scored just four points while shooting just 22% from the field on nine attempts. Armstrong had an equally poor 25% field goal percentage on eight attempts, ending his night with five points and a lone assist.

Due to a lack of secondary scorers, the Magic were able to make the game competitive, outscoring Long Island in the third and fourth quarters. Shooting guard Ethan Thompson, a fixture of the Puerto Rican national team, was a dominating force, as he scored 29 points to go along with six assists, seven rebounds, a block and a steal. NBA veteran Jarret Culver had 26 points and +11 point differential. while three time NBA dunk contest champion Mac McClung became the third player on Osceola to score 20+ points. 

With eight seconds left in the game Mac McClung scored both of his free throws to tie the contest at 119. Following a Nets timeout, Dariq Whitehead would knock down a clutch 26 foot step-back three pointer to give Long Island the lead. A missed three point attempt from forward Jalen Slawson would seal the game, delighting the home crowd. 

This win continues an impressive three game winning streak at the Coliseum that's seen Long Island beat two of the better teams in the G-League. This game was far closer than their first contest as the Nets were able to rout the Magic 137-114 thanks in part to Drew Timme’s second career triple-double. 

After a disappointing three game losing skid, the Magic will look to get on track against the Iowa Wolves this Friday.

As for the Nets, they will look to continue their winning ways on Tuesday when they travel upstate to Westchester to take on the Knicks in an interstate rivalry. 

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