Magic Reverse Roles on Visiting Celtics for 123-110 Victory
Franz Wagner scored 27 points, leading seven Magic players with double-digit scoring as the Celtics struggled down the final stretch.
Previous Playoff Clash Set the Tone
Last spring, the Celtics and Magic faced off in a tough first-round playoff series. The Celtics frequently noted Orlando’s physical play, which created significant challenges. Although Boston won the series in five games, the intense matchup seemed to take a toll on them, contributing to their loss against the Knicks in the subsequent round.
Roster Changes and Shifting Identities
Since then, both teams have changed somewhat. The Magic strengthened their offense by acquiring Desmond Bane, while the Celtics have embraced a scrappier, underdog style to disrupt opponents.
NBA Cup Game Recap
The teams met again on Friday night in an NBA Cup game where the Magic delivered an impressive shooting performance. They shot a season-best 17 of 36 from three-point range and sealed the contest with a 39-point fourth quarter.
The Celtics managed to erase an early 16-point deficit and even took the lead early in the fourth, but ultimately faltered to lose 123-110.
Key Player Performances
- Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 32 points and nine rebounds.
- Payton Pritchard contributed 27 points.
- Franz Wagner topped the Magic with 27 points.
“I didn’t feel like we got out-physicaled,” Payton Pritchard said.
Despite the loss, Boston showed resilience but couldn't maintain momentum against Orlando's hot shooting.
Summary
The Magic's sharpshooting and balanced scoring overcame the Celtics' rally, showcasing a shifted dynamic since their last playoff encounter.