BOSTON, MA – The Orlando Magic kept their tough play going with a 117-109 won over the top seeded Boston Celtics on Friday at the TD Garden.
The win is the fifth straight for the Magic and brings their record to a 10 and 20 record as the team continues to build on it’s impressive performances.
Orlando started their winning streak with a 116-111 won over the LA Clippers, followed by back to back wins over the Toronto Raptors and a 135-124 drubbing of the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday.
Mo Wagner lead the Magic in scoring on the night with 25 points, followed by Paolo Banchero who is still sitting his 20 + mark with consistency. Franz Wagner was clutch and scored 19 points for Orlando.
The Magic dominated on the boards against the Celtics, even with there return of Robert Williams III to the floor for the first time this year.
Orlando grabbed 53 rebounds compared to Boston’s 38 rbs, though Williams III grabbed 5 rebounds, 9 points, and 11 block in his 18 minutes of playing time.
The return of key players continues to show as a key to Orlando’s recent success. With the return of floor general Markelle Fultz and key big man Morritz Wagner, some of the weight has been lifted off of Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and Bol Bol.
A a lot of the credit for this victory goes to Head Coach Jamahl Mosley and his staff.
“All the time our coaching staff does a phenomenal job of game planning.” Said Mosley” You know, they take their time and they explained to the guy the way you want things done and he’s got a game plan. That’s what he said about you talk about the definition of like, this is what they did tonight. You know, each person contributed every person has stepped on or contributed the right way. I’m so proud of these guys.
The Celtics have been running away from the pack in the NBA Eastern Conference, with only the Milwaukee Bucks keeping pace, as other teams try to work through injuries.
Jayson Tatum lead the Celtics in scoring with 31 points, followed by his scoring twin Jaylen Brown who had 26.
key for the Celtics tonight was the return of Williams III, which shores up their interior, but when Al Hereford was ejected in the third quarter, it left them weaker in the paint, giving more Opportunities for Mo Bamba to do work.
Orlando, however, has found new energy. their five game winning streak is the longest since the 2020 season, when Jonathan Isaac was active.
Orlando faces the Celtics again on Sunday in Boston.
