The Boston Celtics defeated the visiting Orlando Magic Sunday afternoon 114-97, the second meeting of the weekend between the two teams. With the win, the Celtics continue their hot start at home, advancing to 14-0 at TD Garden to open the year.
After a quiet night on Friday, Orlando’s Paolo Banchero made his presence known in a big way Sunday. The reigning Rookie of the Year logged 36 points on the night, including 26 points on 10-for-15 shooting in the first half alone. Unfortunately for the Magic, that wasn’t enough to overcome a balanced Celtics scoring attack that was anchored with an equally sturdy defensive showing and punctuated by a 17-point fourth quarter performance from Jaylen Brown.
Here’s what you may have missed from Sunday afternoon’s 114-97 Celtics victory against the Magic.
PHOTOS: Boston vs. Orlando – Celtics demystify Magic defensively, win 114-97 https://t.co/9VJUMOXK5u pic.twitter.com/IcQLHQlzOV
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 17, 2023
Boston's offense
Brown’s scoring outburst down the stretch was the nail in the coffin for the Magic, and the All-NBA forward had 31 points overall. He wasn’t the only guy in green feeling it on offensive, though. Five Celtics players scored in double figures, and as a team, Boston shot 17-for-36 from deep.
Ordinarily, Boston’s offensive pace ranks among the slowest in the league. Heading into today’s action they average 13.7 fast break points per game, and getting out and running isn’t always a big part of their approach. On Sunday, however, the Celtics logged 23 fast break points aided in part by 4 steals and a +12 rebounding advantage.
As a result, Boston paired hot shooting with a focused scoring approach. This was more than enough to vanquish the Magic, especially given how well the Celtics played on the other side of the ball as well.
How important is a bench upgrade at the trade deadline for the Boston Celtics? https://t.co/lMyQ3FWXRZ pic.twitter.com/6m8yfqzuuJ
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 17, 2023
Boston's defense
By the numbers, Boston’s defense was effective. They limited the Magic to 30.6% shooting from 3 and 38.2% shooting overall. They logged 7 blocks and kept fouls to a minimum. It was a tidy defensive effort across the board.
Outside Banchero, Orlando struggled to find much offensive rhythm. And in the second half, Banchero went cold. It was a composed, controlled, and effective defensive approach from the Celtics.
Jayson Tatum, classic car collector? A look at the Boston Celtics star's one pricy hobby https://t.co/sWO93HvVzQ pic.twitter.com/Mw3Uakc6fb
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 17, 2023
Final thoughts
Boston played four home games this week, all wins. Now the Celtics hit the road for a few tilts out West in the Sunshine State. Boston will play all four California teams on the road trip, punctuated by a Christmas Day game against the rival Los Angeles Lakers.
The last time the Celtics were played four consecutive road games they went 3-1. It remains to be seen how Boston will perform this time around.
Should Al Horford make the Hall of Fame? https://t.co/6W56LxcJBD pic.twitter.com/54yFZOjeZE
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 17, 2023
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