Based on experience, the Celtics get revenge on the Magic

Two days after they first challenged each other in Floridathe Magic and the Celtics return it to a Kia center. The difference is that it isn’t Orlando but good Boston who won this time, after an even match and which was played in the last twelve minutes.

If it’s the Magic who are running strong offensively thanks to Jalen Suggs, up 21-9 after six minutes and the skill on display, combined with consistent aggressiveness on defense, the entry of Anferna Simmons changes the situation. First with the help of Jalen Brown and Derrick White, he helped to quietly reduce the deficit at the end of the first quarter (33-30).

Then, in the second, this same Anferni Simmons fires off 14 points in a row and starts an 18-4 run that puts the Celtics at +11. But this gap will not last, as the Florida team responds at the end of the half, with great dominance in the paint (54-54).

After a long time hand in handwhich lasted the entire third quarter (80-78), Boston broke away first in the last act. Still, without Jaylen Brown, the C’s relied on their replacements, especially Luca Garza, who was dominant under the circle, to sign a 13-0 run that put Orlando back within good distance (96-85).

Then the discreet Paolo Banchero could take the game into his own hands, at a time when his team is unable to take care of the ball, resist physically or find good shooting positions, he can do nothing against the mastery of Joe Mazzula’s men under pressure. In turn, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Jordan Walsh made sure to settle the matter with a 3-pointer each. The game is over (111-107) !

TO BE REMEMBERED

– 3 points made the difference. Jalen Brown (27 points), Derrick White (21 points) and then Jordan Walsh. These were the scorers, all made on 3-pointers, that would protect the Celtics in this matchup. A few minutes earlier, he put Luca Garza (16 points, 8 rebounds) into orbit, the 2024 champions secured in “money time”, when the Magic returned to -2, led by Paolo Banchero (28 points). Enough to elicit cries of despair from across the room. Coming in, this makes Boston an accurate 13/33 from long range, while Orlando has to settle for an ugly 7/30.

– Anfernee Simmons heatstroke. If the Celtics were able to win last night, it was mainly because Anferni Simmons (25 points) could be decisive in the first half, when the Magic led by 12 points behind the good start of Jalen Suggs (20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals). Sharp from the start, new sixth man Joe Mazzula, originally from Florida, went on an impressive run of 14 straight points to make it 30-33 to 48-37 early in the second quarter. Since then, Boston has been undefeated in the meeting.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.