The Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 121-94. It was a big game for the Celtics’ stars. Jayson Tatum scored 30 points, Kristaps Porzingis scored 23, and Jaylen Brown had 20. The Magic were without Jalen Suggs, Gary Harris, Goga Bitadze, Jett Howard, and Franz Wagner. In their absence, Cole Anthony led the team with 23 points, while Paolo Banchero had 20. The Boston Celtics improved to 29-12 while Orlando fell to 23-20.
The Boston Celtics Hot Start
The Boston Celtics entered off a bad loss to the Toronto Raptors and the Magic have always given them trouble, even with their injuries. Both teams traded baskets in the opening minutes. The Celtics started hot, making 8 of their first 10 shots. Porzingis and Derrick White were scoring early and gave Boston a small lead. Banchero looked good as well, playing aggressive offense and defense. The Celtics were getting three-pointers from everyone and stayed in front. At the end of the first quarter, the Boston Celtics led 35-28. Porzingis had 11 points and White had 7. Banchero led Orlando with 9 points.
The Magic attempted to trim the deficit in the second quarter. They were physical on defense, as always, getting blocks and steals. On offense, they drew fouls and got into the bonus early. For the Celtics, Tatum began to roll. He was getting to the basket at will and scoring efficiently. Porzingis also remained perfect from the field. A pair of threes from him and Jrue Holiday put Boston up by double digits. Banchero and Anthony were scoring, but Boston still built their lead. At halftime, the Boston Celtics led 66-54.
Tatum took over in the second quarter and finished the half with 20 points. Porzingis was not far behind with 14 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting. The Boston Celtics weren’t shooting their normal amount of three-pointers, but they were making the ones they took. In the first half, they were 9-of-15 from three. The Magic were led by Banchero, who had 14 points. Anthony had 13 and Wendell Carter Jr. had 11. Orlando overcame a 15-point halftime deficit the last time they played the Celtics, so this game was nowhere near over. During this rough stretch, Boston has had trouble closing games and would need to close this one strong.
The Celtics Pull Ahead
Orlando opened the second half hot, scoring five straight points. Porzingis and Tatum answered with back-to-back three-pointers and the Boston Celtics went on an 8-0 run. It quickly ballooned to a 14-2 run, and the Celtics extended their lead. Porzingis and Tatum continued to carry the offensive load, and the defense got a string of stops. They led by as many as 22. The Magic tried to cut into the deficit when Tatum and Porzingis were subbed out, but Jaylen Brown began to roll. He hasn’t played well in recent games, but was aggressive in the third quarter, keeping Boston ahead. Through three quarters, the Boston Celtics led 96-76.
After scoring 97 points against the Raptors, 96 points through three quarters was very encouraging for the Celtics, but the Magic were still alive and fighting. Banchero and Anthony got a couple of highlight plays, but a scoring spurt from Boston maintained their lead. The Celtics then tightened up on defense, shutting down any hope of an Orlando comeback. Banchero was subbed out due to his minutes restriction and the game was out of reach. After poor fourth quarters in recent losses, this was a good display from the defending champions. The Boston Celtics won 121-94.
Final Thoughts
The Boston Celtics improved to 29-12 with the win. Tatum led the team with 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Porzingis had 23 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting, while Brown finished with 20 points. This was a much-needed win for the Celtics and their stars played well. The Magic dropped to 23-20. Anthony ended up leading them with 23 points and Banchero had 20. These teams do not meet again until April, in a game that will decide the 1-1 season series.
