Magic Open NBA Cup with Win over Celtics
The Orlando Magic defeated the Boston Celtics 123-110 on Friday night in their NBA Cup opener.
Key Performers
- Franz Wagner scored 27 points for the Magic.
- Desmond Bane contributed 22 points and seven assists.
- Paolo Banchero added 15 points and nine rebounds.
- Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 18 points and five rebounds.
- Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 32 points.
- Payton Pritchard scored 27 points.
- Derrick White had 16 points and 10 assists.
- Anfernee Simons scored all 11 of his points early in the final quarter.
Game Summary
Orlando built a 16-point lead in the first quarter during a 20-2 run sparked by 3-pointers from Wagner, Tristan da Silva, and Anthony Black, marking the largest advantage of the game. The Celtics bounced back in the second half, tying the score and briefly leading 96-95.
Jaylen Brown scored 14 straight points for Boston before resting on the bench for six minutes late in the third quarter.
Late in the game, Wagner, Bane, and Carter Jr. hit crucial 3-pointers in a 17-4 run to secure the Magic's victory. Orlando shot 50% overall and made 47.2% (17 of 36) of their three-pointers, while Boston shot 35% (13 of 37) from beyond the arc.
Tournament Context
The Celtics and Magic are both in East Group B of the NBA's in-season tournament, alongside Brooklyn, Detroit, and Philadelphia. This game was their first meeting since Boston eliminated Orlando in a five-game first-round playoff series in April.
Author's Summary
The Magic dominated early and held off a Celtic rally to secure a strong win in their NBA Cup opener, highlighting key contributions from Wagner and Bane.
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