The Orlando Magic could defeat the Boston Celtics with 103:95. The team of Brad Stevens got a used day and Kyrie Irving’s 40 points didn’t change anything in the deserved victory of Magic.
The Orlando Magic came into the match much better and developed a 5-point lead early on. Celtics hit only two of their first eight attempts, but Kyrie Irving (40 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists) jumped into the breach for Boston. Uncle Drew scored 13 of the first 21 points and brought his team back to the front. He was supported by Jaylen Brown (17 points and 7 boards), whose name was already 8 points on the scoreboard after the first quarter. The dependence on Irving becomes apparent after his substitution: The Magic start an 8-0 run, but the Celtics answer – after Brad Stevens brings Al Horford and Jason Tatum back – and save a tight lead into the quarter-break.
In the second quarter, the familiar picture appears again. Irving on the bench: The Magic acquire a guide. Especially the bank Orlando around D. J. Augustin (10 points) convinced. Again Irving had to take the coals out of the fire and he did. Irving scored nine points in quarter-two and brought Boston – after a 7-point gap in the meantime – into the lead with one point just before half-time. Daniel Theis was also on stage in the second section, met two layups, collected 3 boards and distributed 2 assists in only six minutes of play time. Afterwards Theis remained rather pale, even though he blocked 2 throws and played only 11 minutes in total.
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After the break Celtics completely collapsed and again it was Irving who wanted to take over – in vain. While Boston only scored five of their 18 throws and a meager 12 points, the Magic ran hot. With 60 percent out of the field and 32 points in the third quarter, Orlando stormed into the final section with a 19-point lead. In addition to the bank, the starters of the Magic were also on the run: Evan Fournier (19 points) and Elfrid Payton (22) were the best scorers of Orlando and jumped into the breach for Aaron Gordon. The latter did not find his litter (5/17 FG), but delivered a solid all-round performance (11.13 rebounds, 4 assists).
In the last quarter the Celtics fought their way up to seven points, but the Magic fought back cold and secured their deserved victory. The performance of the Celtics Bank, which scored only eight points, was particularly alarming, while Augustin, Mack and Co. achieved a total of 38 points. For Boston, it was their third home defeat in a row. This is a very bad time, because now a heavy trip to the West is planned.