Recap: Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic

The Boston Celtics entered the game on a five game winning streak. They also defeated the Orlando Magic on Friday night but the Magic got the best of Boston this Sunday evening as they won 119-114.

A strong second half by Orlando propelled them to the victory. It was the first time during the past six games that Boston’s defense didn’t look like itself. The Magic scored 69 points during the second half after only scoring 47 during the first half.

Boston didn’t have a terrible game, offensively, but were unable to keep up in the second half. It was like they expected Orlando to roll over after easily beating them a couple of nights ago.

The tides switched as only three players for Boston scored in double digits, all three scored at least 20 points, and six players scored in double-figures for the Magic.

The big three guards for Boston stepped up tonight. Isaiah Thomas scored 23 points but only had four assists tonight after the team shot 41.9 percent from the field compared to the 50.0 percent they shot a couple of nights ago. Avery Bradley had 22 points but shot 8-21 from the field and 3-12 from behind the arc, both very underwhelming. The most impressive showing was by Marcus Smart. He scored a team high 26 points and shot very efficiently. Smart shot 8-16 from the field and his long ball was on point as well, 5-9.

Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic both had big games to help Orlando upset the red-hot Boston Celtics. Gordon had 19 points and 14 rebounds while Vucevic had 16 points and 13 rebounds, they also combined for five blocks. Although, Evan Fournier had a team high 24 points in 23 minutes for the Magic off the bench.

The Celtics started out strong, leading 10-4 after 5 minutes. Their first four baskets were all made by someone different, a good sign early on. The Celtics were also able to push the lead to eight at one point but the Magic quickly clawed their way back. However, Boston led 32-24 at the end of the first quarter, it seemed just like last game.

The three guards for Boston combined for 26 of the 32 first quarter points for Boston, including a buzzer beating three made by Marcus Smart.

The second quarter was like a usual Boston Celtics’ quarter, dominated by the reserves. Both Kelly Olynyk and Evan Turner came on and made some shots as it was a close game the whole second quarter. Boston pushed their lead to 50-39 eventually but were not able to hold onto it.

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Jared Sullinger hit an 18-foot jumper with 2:25 remaining to give the Celtics a 54-40 lead, however, Boston was shut-out for the rest of the half; that was when the decline started happening. Orlando ended the half on a 7-0 run to cut the lead to 54-47 going into half, but the biggest thing they took from that run was the momentum.

Boston did a good job coming out strong as they started out the half on a 13-8 run, giving them a 67-54 lead. However, Orlando answered with an even bigger run, 18-5. The Magic tied the game at 72 with 3:30 remaining and you could start to tell that this might be the night Boston loses their streak.

Marcus Smart scored the last five point for Boston in the quarter as the last 3:30 was even. Boston and Orlando went into the final quarter tied up 81. It was due to Orlando out-scoring Boston 34-27 in the third.

Recap: Boston Celtics’ Winning Streak ends at Five

By Jeremy Karll | Jan 31, 2016

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