NBA Cup Update: Celtics Face First Defeat Against Magic
The Boston Celtics traveled to Orlando to face the Magic on Friday night, aiming to stay unbeaten in the 2025 NBA Cup group stage. However, despite efforts by Jaylen Brown and Anfernee Simons, the Magic secured a 123-110 win at the Kia Center.
Game Overview
This marked Boston's first loss in Group B of the 2025 NBA Cup, dropping their record in the in-season tournament to 1-1. Upcoming matches for the Celtics include games against the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets later this month.
Key Performances
- Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with a game-high 32 points, scoring 18 in the second half on 15-for-28 shooting.
- Anfernee Simons contributed 11 points, all scored in the fourth quarter on 4-for-8 shooting.
Game Progression
The Magic started hot, building a 16-point lead midway through the first quarter thanks to efficient shooting. Orlando shot 49% from the field and 50% from three-point range (9-for-18) in the first half.
Boston rallied in the third quarter with stronger defense and Brown's scoring. Simons briefly gave the Celtics their first lead since early in the first quarter with a fourth-quarter basket. However, the Magic retaliated with a decisive 28-14 run over the last six minutes to close out the game.
"Orlando built a 16-point lead midway through the first quarter after a scorching-hot start on the offensive end."
"A fourth-quarter bucket by Simons gave Boston its first lead since the four-minute mark of the first quarter."
This defeat highlights the Celtics' challenges in maintaining leads and closing games against strong opponents in the NBA Cup.
Author’s summary: The Celtics suffered their first group-stage loss in the 2025 NBA Cup as the Magic overcame an early deficit and finished strong with a 123-110 victory.
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