Orlando Magic Outlast the Boston Celtics In NBA Cup
The Boston Celtics, looking to assert their dominance in the new NBA Cup, walked into a buzzsaw in Orlando Friday night, falling to the Magic 123-110. It was a game that felt like a playoff rematch from last spring, only this time the Magic seemed to have found the cheat code.
Last season’s first-round series was a gritty, physical affair that left Boston bruised, even in victory. This time around, Orlando looked like a team with a point to prove and a shiny new toy in Desmond Bane. Meanwhile, the Celtics, usually the polished contenders, found themselves playing the role of the scrappy underdog trying to keep up. It didn’t quite work.
The Magic, a team not exactly known for its long-range prowess, decided tonight was the night to cosplay as the “Splash Brothers.” They came out hotter than a Florida parking lot in July, draining threes and building a lead that felt insurmountable. Boston, to their credit, clawed their way back from a 16-point deficit and even snatched the lead in the fourth quarter. But then, as they say, the wheels came off.
Fourth Quarter Collapse Dooms Celtics
Just when it seemed like Boston had figured things out, taking an 89-87 lead with over nine minutes to play, the Magic conjured up some… well, magic. A costly turnover under Orlando’s basket led to an easy layup, and suddenly the momentum shifted for good. Franz Wagner, who had been colder from three than a polar bear’s toenails, decided to hit one from the corner, shrugging as if to say, “Finally!”
From there, it was a cascade of errors for the Celtics. A missed layup, a clumsy foul, and a barrage of Orlando threes sealed their fate. The final four minutes were a masterclass in how not to close out a game, with Boston committing three of their five fourth-quarter turnovers. You could almost hear the collective groan from Celtics fans back home.
Jaylen Brown did his best to carry the team, pouring in 32 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. Payton Pritchard also had a stellar night with 27 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Orlando’s offensive explosion.
Magic’s Uncharacteristic Shooting Night
Let’s be clear: the Magic are not a three-point shooting team. They entered the game ranked 28th in the league in threes made. But against the Celtics, they decided to flip the script, hitting a season-high 17 of them. It was one of those nights where everything they threw up seemed to go in, leaving Boston scrambling for answers.
Franz Wagner led the charge for Orlando with 27 points, but it was a true team effort with seven Magic players scoring in double figures. Their energy was palpable, fueled by a sold-out home crowd that smelled blood in the water.
This loss drops the Celtics to 1-1 in NBA Cup play. While it’s just one game, it’s a frustrating one. The C’s will have a chance for revenge, as they stay in Orlando for a rematch on Sunday. Let’s hope they remember to pack their defense this time.
