In Orlando, Florida, the Orlando Magic demonstrated resilience by overcoming a 15-point halftime deficit to secure a thrilling 108-104 victory over the Boston Celtics on Monday night. The game marked a notable performance from Tristan da Silva, who contributed 18 points, including a crucial 3-pointer with just 9.9 seconds remaining. The Celtics played without star player Jayson Tatum, who was out due to illness following his recent 43-point triple-double.
Boston entered halftime with a commanding 58-43 lead, largely fueled by Jaylen Brown, who led the team with 35 points. However, the Magic staged a remarkable comeback, dominating the third quarter to tie the game. They surged ahead by 10 points in the fourth quarter. Although Boston made a late push, narrowing the gap to 105-104 with a layup from Brown, they could not reclaim the lead. Al Horford’s missed 3-pointer paved the way for da Silva’s game-clinching shot.
Trevelin Queen stood out in his first NBA start, scoring 17 points, while Jalen Suggs added 16 for the Magic. For the Celtics, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White each contributed 17 points. The game saw some tension as Magic center Goga Bitadze was ejected late in the fourth quarter for stepping into a confrontation involving Suggs and Porzingis, both of whom received technical fouls.
Takeaways from the game included the Celtics’ struggle in the second half, particularly as they faltered in their shooting. Notably, they typically excel at 3-point shooting, but against the Magic, they went just 8 for 32 from beyond the arc.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are set to host the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas Day, while the Magic will play at home against the Miami Heat on Thursday night.
This game serves as a testament to the Magic’s determination and ability to adapt, despite facing significant player absences. Their next match against Miami could be another opportunity to showcase their growth and team spirit.
In summary, the Orlando Magic’s remarkable comeback not only highlights their resilience but also sets a hopeful tone for their ongoing season.