Celtics Magic Recap
The first quarter saw a typical poor defensive quarter, allowing 38 points off the back of 7 three-pointers. Orlando got out in transition frequently, and the Celtics could not stop it, allowing 8 of the Magic's 11 fast-break points in the first quarter.
Offensively, it was the usual story. Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard did much of the scoring, while the rest of the team looked to find their footing. A majority of the shots taken were jump shots, with just 4 of the 24 attempted shots coming inside the restricted area. After 1, the Celtics were down 38-25.
Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard continued to do much of the scoring in the 2nd, combining for 15 of the team's 26 points. Once again, most of the shots were taken in the mid-range or three-pointers, with just 6 of the 25 shots coming inside the restricted area. The lack of access to easy baskets hurt the Celtics offense in the first half, resulting in them scoring just 51 points.
On defense they were much better, holding the Magic to just 21 points while forcing 8 turnovers. The Celtics recorded 5 steals and 3 blocks in the quarter, which allowed them to cut into the lead heading into halftime, now down 59-51.
Jaylen Brown could completely take over the third quarter, scoring 16 of the team's 29 points while making 75% of the team's made shots. Despite just 1 three being made, Brown was still able to take over the game, getting to the rim and his spots in the mid-range at will.
Defensively, it was enough to give the Celtics a chance heading into the fourth, allowing 25 points on 45% shooting. The most important aspect of this quarter was the offensive rebounding, which the Magic got none of in the third.
Through the first two quarters, the Magic had generated 16 second-chance points off the back of 8 offensive rebounds, but the Celtics crashed the boards in the third to give themselves a chance to win the game at the end.
In the fourth quarter, Jaylen Brown struggled, going just 1/5 for two points. Luckily, multiple players stepped up, tallying an efficient 30-point quarter. The problem offensively came from the 5 turnovers, which led to 9 points off turnovers for the Magic.
Defensively, the quarter was a disaster, allowing yet another 39-point quarter. The Magic got to the rim with ease, shot the three well, took 14 free throws, and grabbed 3 offensive rebounds. It was the perfect storm of everything wrong with the 2026 Celtics, and it got them beat once again.
The good
It's becoming a broken record that Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard were the bright spots in an otherwise average offensive game. The two combined for 59 of the 110 points in the game.
Despite a shaky defensive game, the Celtics did do some things well, forcing 15 turnovers while recording 9 steals and 8 blocks.
Josh Minott continues to grow, scoring 12 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, 3 of them being offensive rebounds. Minott makes all the hustle plays and improves each game as a scorer.
The bad
The poor defensive quarters cost the Celtics yet another game, allowing 38 in the first quarter and 39 in the fourth. The lack of interior presence gives opponents free runs at the rim. Combine this with poor transition defense, and you allow 123 points to a struggling Magic team.
The fouling problems continue, committing 27 personal fouls that led to 31 free throws for the Magic. Anfernee Simons and Luka Garza were particularly bad, combining for 8 fouls while playing for just 30 total minutes.
Neemias Queta had his worst game of the season, scoring just 5 points on 2/8 shooting. With Queta being the only capable center on the roster, his struggles are emphasized because it puts more pressure on the perimeter plays to get easy buckets at the basket.
Conclusion
Games like this show the clear limitations in the roster. The Celtics took fewer threes, got good production from the starters, and still lost. Defense was one of this team's calling cards in previous years, but that now only comes in stretches.
These teams will face off again on Sunday, with both teams beside each other in the standings. The Celtics will look to avenge Friday's loss before closing out the road trip on Tuesday.
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