Magic opens NBA Cup play with win over Celtics
The Orlando Magic defeated the Boston Celtics 123–110 on Friday night to open their NBA Cup campaign.
Game Summary
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 27 points, while Desmond Bane contributed 22 points and seven assists. Paolo Banchero finished with 15 points and nine rebounds, and Wendell Carter Jr. added 18 points and five boards.
For Boston, Jaylen Brown scored 32 points, Payton Pritchard had 27, and Derrick White posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 assists.
Key Moments
The game was part of East Group B of the NBA’s in-season tournament, which also includes Brooklyn, Detroit, and Philadelphia. This was the teams’ first matchup since the Celtics eliminated the Magic in five games during the playoffs in April.
Early on, Orlando built a 16-point lead with a 20–2 run fueled by three-pointers from Wagner, Tristan da Silva, and Anthony Black. Boston later tied the game in the second half and even took a brief 96–95 lead after Jaylen Brown’s jumper midway through the fourth quarter.
Wagner, Bane, and Carter Jr. responded with a trio of 3-pointers in a 17–4 surge that sealed the win for Orlando.
Individual Highlights
Brown scored 14 consecutive points for Boston before resting for six minutes late in the third quarter. Anfernee Simons scored all 11 of his points early in the final period, keeping the Celtics close until Orlando pulled away in the closing minutes.
Team Statistics
- Orlando shot 50% from the field and made 17 of 36 (47.2%) from beyond the arc.
- Boston hit 13 of 37 (35%) three-pointers.
Author’s Summary
The Magic’s sharp shooting and late-game composure powered a key opening win in their NBA Cup run against a resilient Celtics squad.