Magic Reverse Roles on Visiting Celtics for 123-110 Victory
Franz Wagner scored 27 points as one of seven Orlando Magic players reaching double figures, while the Celtics faltered down the stretch in Orlando.
Changing Dynamics Since Last Playoffs
Last spring, the Celtics and Magic faced off in a tough first-round playoff series marked by Orlando’s physical style, which Boston noted repeatedly. Although the Celtics won the series in five games, the intense battle seemed to take a toll on them, contributing to their loss to the Knicks in the next round.
Since then, both teams have evolved. The Magic added Desmond Bane to strengthen their offense, while the Celtics have taken on a more gritty, underdog role.
NBA Cup Clash Highlights
The teams met again Friday night in an NBA Cup game. Orlando delivered an unusually efficient shooting performance that Boston never overcame. Despite overcoming a 16-point deficit and briefly regaining the lead early in the fourth quarter, the Celtics struggled late and lost 123-110.
- Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 32 points and nine rebounds.
- Payton Pritchard contributed 27 points.
- Franz Wagner led the Magic with 27 points.
- The Magic hit a season-best 17 of 36 three-pointers.
- Orlando scored 39 points in the fourth quarter to secure the win.
“I didn’t feel like we got out-physicaled,” said Payton Pritchard.
Orlando’s sharp shooting and depth proved decisive, reversing the previous postseason narrative between the two teams.
Author’s summary: The Magic’s strong shooting and balanced scoring overcame the Celtics’ fightback, marking a clear shift in the rivalry with a 123-110 win.