Magic Starts NBA Cup with Victory Over Celtics
The Orlando Magic defeated the Boston Celtics 123-110 in their NBA Cup opener on Friday night.
Key Players and Highlights
- Franz Wagner led Orlando with 27 points.
- Desmond Bane contributed 22 points and seven assists.
- Paolo Banchero added 15 points and nine rebounds.
- Wendell Carter Jr. scored 18 points and grabbed five rebounds.
- Jaylen Brown led Boston with 32 points.
- Payton Pritchard scored 27 points.
- Derrick White contributed 16 points and 10 assists.
- Anfernee Simons added 11 points, all early in the final quarter to keep the Celtics competitive.
Game Flow
Orlando opened strong with a 20-2 run, including three-pointers from Wagner, Tristan da Silva, and Anthony Black, gaining a 16-point lead—the biggest of the game—in the first quarter.
The Celtics fought back in the second half, tying the score and eventually taking a 96-95 lead mid-fourth quarter after a jumper by Brown.
Brown scored 14 straight points for Boston before taking a six-minute rest with 2:20 left in the third quarter.
Orlando responded with a 17-4 run, fueled by three-pointers from Wagner, Bane, and Carter, securing the win.
Team Context
Both teams compete in East Group B of the NBA's in-season tournament, alongside Brooklyn, Detroit, and Philadelphia. This game marked their first meeting since the Celtics eliminated the Magic in a five-game first-round playoff series in April.
Performance Metrics
- Orlando shot 50% from the field overall.
- The Magic made 17 of 36 three-point attempts (47.2%).
- Boston converted 13 of 37 three-pointers (35%).
This strong offensive display helped the Magic secure their opening win in the NBA Cup.
Author's summary: Orlando Magic showcased powerful shooting and key runs to defeat the Celtics 123-110, marking a strong start to their NBA Cup campaign.
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