In a thrilling matchup in Orlando, the Magic pulled off an impressive comeback, defeating the Boston Celtics 108-104 after trailing by 15 points at halftime. Tristan da Silva played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring 18 points and hitting a crucial 3-pointer with just 9.9 seconds remaining in the game. The Celtics, who were without superstar Jayson Tatum due to illness, had Jaylen Brown stepping up as the team’s leading scorer with 35 points.
The first half saw Boston take control with a 58-43 lead, but Orlando stormed back in the third quarter, ultimately leveling the score by the end of the period. In the fourth quarter, the Magic built a 10-point lead, but the Celtics made a strong push late in the game. Brown’s layup cut the deficit to 105-104 with under a minute left, but the Magic’s da Silva responded with a shot that sealed the game for Orlando.
Trevelin Queen also made an impact during his first NBA start, contributing 17 points, while Jalen Suggs added 16 for the Magic. For the Celtics, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White both scored 17 points. An incident late in the game led to an ejection of Magic center Goga Bitadze after a brief scuffle involving Suggs and Porzingis.
The defeat marks a challenging period for the Celtics, who struggled to find their rhythm in the second half, while the Magic showcased their resilience despite missing key players like Paolo Banchero and the Wagner brothers.
Next up for the Celtics is a Christmas Day showdown against the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Magic will host the Miami Heat on Thursday night.
This victory highlights the depth and determination of the Magic, showing that even when facing adversity, they can rally together and secure important wins. It’s also a reminder of the competitive spirit in the NBA, where any game can swing in favor of the underdog, making the league exciting for fans and players alike.