The Orlando Magic achieved an impressive comeback victory over the Boston Celtics, winning 108-104 despite facing a significant 15-point halftime deficit. Tristan da Silva played a pivotal role in the game, scoring 18 points and sinking a crucial 3-pointer with just 9.9 seconds remaining. The Celtics, who were without their star player Jayson Tatum due to illness, relied heavily on Jaylen Brown, who scored 35 points to lead his team.
The Celtics had a strong start, leading 58-43 at halftime. However, the Magic dominated the third quarter, managing to tie the game before taking a 10-point lead in the fourth. Despite a late surge from Boston, including Brown’s layup that brought the score to 105-104 with under a minute to play, the Magic sealed their victory when da Silva hit a 3-pointer shortly after.
In addition to da Silva’s performance, Trevelin Queen contributed 17 points in his first NBA start, while Jalen Suggs added 16 points. For the Celtics, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White each scored 17 points. The game took an intense turn when Magic center Goga Bitadze was ejected late in the match after intervening in an altercation between Suggs and Porzingis.
The Celtics’ performance highlighted a significant drop in their shooting effectiveness, as they struggled with their usual three-point game, making only 8 of 32 attempts.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are set to face off against the Philadelphia 76ers on Christmas Day, while the Magic will take on the Miami Heat on Thursday night.
This game serves as a reminder of the resilience of the Orlando Magic, who, despite missing key players such as Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, found a way to rally back and secure a win. Their ability to adapt and perform under pressure showcases the promising potential of the team moving forward.