Short handed Celtics dominate Magic: BOS 87 ORL 56
Despite missing five players due to injury - including Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen and Mickael Pietrus - the Celtics played arguably their greatest game of the entire season, manhandling the Orlando Magic at the TD Garden 87-56. The Magic drop to 11-5 as the Celtics improve to 7-9. It is the first time all season the Celtics have beaten an opponent with a winning record.
The Magic held a brief three point lead in the first quarter, however Boston never really lost control of the game. They led by as many as 32, playing aggressive and energetic defense that had not been seen yet this season. The Celtics forced 25 turnovers, with 13 steals and 9 blocked shots. Boston also held the Orlando Magic to 24.6 percent shooting.
Paul Pierce had 19 points, adding 7 assists and 5 rebounds. Brandon Bass continues to impress, scoring 19 points himself and grabbing 8 boards off the bench. Kevin Garnett had a double double with 14 points and 10 rebounds while also getting 2 blocks and 5 steals.
Avery Bradley, starting in place of the injured Rondo, had undoubtedly his greatest game in a Celtic uniform. His contributions didn't exactly show up on the box score (6 points, 3 steals, 4 rebounds) but his play made a direct impact on the game. The same goes for Sasha Pavlovic, who started in place of the injured Allen. He had 9 points, 2 steals and 2 blocked shots. Marquis Daniels was a big contributor as well, with 8 points off the bench. Jermaine O'Neal played a solid game as well, scoring 0 points but grabbing 9 rebounds and blocking 2 shots. He fouled out in the fourth quarter.
It was Glen Davis' first trip back to Boston since being sent to Orlando in a sign-and-trade deal this off-season in which the Celtics acquired Brandon Bass. He had 11 rebounds off the bench for the Magic and also added 6 points.
Dwight Howard led the Magic with a double double, 18 points and 14 rebounds, while also attempting 18 free throws.
The Magic held a brief three point lead in the first quarter, however Boston never really lost control of the game. They led by as many as 32, playing aggressive and energetic defense that had not been seen yet this season. The Celtics forced 25 turnovers, with 13 steals and 9 blocked shots. Boston also held the Orlando Magic to 24.6 percent shooting.
Paul Pierce had 19 points, adding 7 assists and 5 rebounds. Brandon Bass continues to impress, scoring 19 points himself and grabbing 8 boards off the bench. Kevin Garnett had a double double with 14 points and 10 rebounds while also getting 2 blocks and 5 steals.
Avery Bradley, starting in place of the injured Rondo, had undoubtedly his greatest game in a Celtic uniform. His contributions didn't exactly show up on the box score (6 points, 3 steals, 4 rebounds) but his play made a direct impact on the game. The same goes for Sasha Pavlovic, who started in place of the injured Allen. He had 9 points, 2 steals and 2 blocked shots. Marquis Daniels was a big contributor as well, with 8 points off the bench. Jermaine O'Neal played a solid game as well, scoring 0 points but grabbing 9 rebounds and blocking 2 shots. He fouled out in the fourth quarter.
It was Glen Davis' first trip back to Boston since being sent to Orlando in a sign-and-trade deal this off-season in which the Celtics acquired Brandon Bass. He had 11 rebounds off the bench for the Magic and also added 6 points.
Dwight Howard led the Magic with a double double, 18 points and 14 rebounds, while also attempting 18 free throws.