We can’t stop Orlando! As it had recently faced Toronto at home, the Magic won its “back-to-back” on the floor of Boston, deprived of Jayson Tatum, absent for personal reasons. Led by a gala Paolo Banchero, Jamahl Mosley’s troops resisted until the end to clinch a sixth consecutive victory.
The Magic made a very good start, with a remarkable passage from Paolo Banchero and two baskets from Cole Anthony to put the Floridians in orbit (18-26). But Orlando failed to capitalize on this good start, the fault of an overly permissive defense. 3-pointers from Malcolm Brogdon, Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown’s lay-up put Boston back in the lead almost immediately (31-30).
Paolo Banchero returned in time to restart the machine. The first choice of the Draft planted two 3-point missiles before leaving it to Bol Bol to chain 5 points including a 2 + 1 to help offer 10 lengths ahead of his team (35-45). The tandem took turns brilliantly until the break, between Bol’s tap and Banchero’s “and-one”, at 22 points at rest time (41-50).
The locals regained their outside address after returning from the locker room by starting the third quarter at 4/6 at 3-points, with Jaylen Brown again to put Boston in front (57-56). The fight intensified, and while Paolo Banchero had given his people some air, Jaylen Brown galvanized TD Garden by slamming two dunks in transition (71-68).
Orlando did not let his guard down and was able to count on Admiral Schofield’s 11 points including three baskets behind the arc to continue to keep the Celtics at bay at the start of “money-time” (84-83) . Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, still from afar, then placed Boston’s back against the wall (89-93).
Despite Malcolm Brogdon’s response from the corner, Markelle Fultz’s two offensive rebounds kept the Magic in a strong position with 14 seconds remaining. After an exchange of stray balls on throw-in, Moritz Wagner finally converted his two throws to put the Floridians at +3 (92-95).
Grant Williams’ last 3-point attempt barely touched the circle, and it was Jamahl Mosley and his team who were able to raise their arms at the end of the suspense.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Orlando passes the sixth. Who could have imagined such a series ten days ago, when the Magic had just conceded its ninth straight loss and was at 5 wins for 20 losses? The click suddenly happened, and in addition to doing very well in defense, the Floridians have developed a more than interesting arsenal of offensive weapons around Franz Wagner, with a slew of players who are gaining strength, like Paolo Banchero on this meeting, came to reward the full match of the whole team.
– Boston offense put to the test. The best attack in the championship was generally very well held by the defense put in place by Jamahl Mosley. Clumsy from afar (12/47!) the Celtics ended the first half with 41 points, their lowest score of the season. Same at the end of the match with only 92 points scored.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Paolo Banchero. An impressive first half at 7/12 shooting including 4/4 from 3-pointers, and a presence in the highlights in the third and last quarter, even if he forced a few possessions in the final. His best game of his rookie season in a victory that confirms his good performance in the Magic’s current series.
✅ Franz Wagner. Only 12 points but he’s the player Orlando relied on to hold the clash in the final, with mainly the drive, but also that 3-point shot that hurt Boston a lot to move to +4 .
✅ Admiral Schofield. The X factor of the meeting on the Florida side since it ignited when one could think that Orlando was going to end up cracking. His streak punctuated by three 3-point baskets at the start of the last act was invaluable for the future.
✅⛔️ Jaylen Brown. He held the house in the absence of Jayson Tatum but with a lot of waste on arrival, including a 2/10 from 3-pointers and 5 lost balls. Why doesn’t he take the last shot?
✅⛔️ Grant Williams. Commitment, a lot of good will, but unfortunately no address for him in this match (1/7 by far). He inherited a difficult shot to send both teams into overtime, and did no miracles.
THE FOLLOWING
Boston (22-9): the Celtics will host the Pacers this Wednesday (1:30 a.m.).
Orlando (11-20): the Magic is expected in Atlanta on Monday evening (1:30 a.m.).
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