Magic Start NBA Cup with Win Over Celtics
The Orlando Magic defeated the Boston Celtics 123-110 on Friday night in their NBA Cup opener.
Key Performances
- Franz Wagner led the Magic with 27 points.
- Desmond Bane contributed 22 points and seven assists.
- Paolo Banchero added 15 points and nine rebounds.
- Wendell Carter Jr. scored 18 points with five rebounds.
- For the Celtics, Jaylen Brown scored 32 points.
- Payton Pritchard added 27 points.
- Derrick White posted 16 points and 10 assists.
- Anfernee Simons scored all 11 of his points early in the fourth quarter.
Game Highlights
Wagner, Tristan da Silva, and Anthony Black hit 3-pointers during a 20-2 Magic run in the first quarter, creating a 16-point lead — Orlando's largest advantage of the game.
The Celtics rallied back in the second half, tying the game and eventually taking a 96-95 lead mid-fourth quarter when Brown made his last jumper.
Brown scored 14 consecutive points before taking a six-minute bench break with 2:20 left in the third quarter.
In response, Wagner, Bane, and Carter Jr. hit critical 3-pointers during a 17-4 run that sealed the victory for Orlando.
Statistical Summary
- Orlando shot 50% overall.
- The Magic made 17 of 36 three-point attempts (47.2%).
- Boston shot 13 of 37 from beyond the arc (35%).
Context and Group Stage
The Celtics and Magic face off in East Group B of the NBA's in-season tournament, alongside Brooklyn, Detroit, and Philadelphia.
This was their first meeting since the Celtics eliminated the Magic in five games during the first-round playoff series this past April.
Author's summary: The Orlando Magic opened the NBA Cup with a strong 123-110 victory over the Celtics, fueled by key 3-pointer runs and standout performances from Wagner and Bane.