In a thrilling matchup on Monday night, the Orlando Magic secured a dramatic 108-104 victory over the Boston Celtics, rallying from a 15-point deficit at halftime. Tristan da Silva was a standout performer for the Magic, scoring 18 points and hitting a crucial 3-pointer with just 9.9 seconds left on the clock. The Celtics, who played without star player Jayson Tatum due to an illness, were led by Jaylen Brown, who scored 35 points.
The Celtics appeared dominant in the first half, leading 58-43 at halftime, but everything changed as the Magic took control in the third quarter and tied the game by its conclusion. Orlando increased their lead to 10 points in the fourth quarter, only to see Boston surge back. Brown narrowed the gap with a layup, bringing the score to 105-104 with under a minute remaining. However, Al Horford’s attempt at a go-ahead 3-pointer missed, and da Silva’s decisive shot sealed the win for Orlando.
Adding to the Magic’s success were Trevelin Queen, who scored 17 points in his first NBA start, and Jalen Suggs with 16 points. The Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White each contributed 17 points in the loss. Orlando faced some challenges, including the ejection of center Goga Bitadze, who intervened in an altercation between Suggs and Porzingis.
This win was particularly impressive for the Magic, as they played without key players like Paolo Banchero and the Wagner brothers, highlighting their resilience and ability to adapt under pressure.
Looking ahead, the Celtics will host the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas Day, while the Magic will face off against the Miami Heat on Thursday night.
Summary: The Orlando Magic made a remarkable comeback to defeat the Boston Celtics 108-104, with key contributions from Tristan da Silva and Trevelin Queen, showcasing their depth and determination despite missing several star players.
In a positive light, the Magic’s ability to rally and perform under pressure bodes well for their future, demonstrating the team’s potential to overcome challenges as they continue their season.