Magic Open NBA Cup with Victory Over Celtics
The Orlando Magic defeated the Boston Celtics 123-110 on Friday night in their NBA Cup opener.
Key Performances
- Franz Wagner led the Magic with 27 points.
- Desmond Bane contributed 22 points and seven assists.
- Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 32 points for the Celtics.
- Payton Pritchard added 27 points and Derrick White recorded 16 points with 10 assists.
- Paolo Banchero finished with 15 points and nine rebounds for Orlando.
- Wendell Carter Jr. also helped with 18 points and five rebounds.
Game Highlights
Wagner, Tristan da Silva, and Anthony Black each hit 3-pointers during a 20-2 run that gave the Magic a 16-point lead in the first quarter, the largest advantage in the game.
The Celtics rallied to tie the game in the second half and led 96-95 when Brown hit his final jumper midway through the fourth quarter.
Wagner, Bane, and Carter Jr. responded with 3-pointers in a 17-4 surge that ultimately secured the win for Orlando.
Brown scored 14 consecutive points for Boston before taking a six-minute bench break late in the third quarter. Anfernee Simons scored all 11 of his points early in the final quarter, keeping Boston competitive until the closing minutes.
Team Statistics
- Orlando shot 50% overall.
- The Magic made 17 of 36 three-pointers (47.2%).
- Boston shot 13 for 37 from beyond the arc (35%).
Context
The Celtics and Magic are both 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.
Author's summary: Orlando Magic showcased strong perimeter shooting and key runs to defeat the Boston Celtics 123-110 in the NBA Cup opener, marking a competitive start to their tournament.