(Field Level Media) The Orlando Magic turned in a dominant second half and extended their winning streak to six games by beating the visiting Boston Celtics 113-96 yesterday in an NBA in-season tournament game.
Orlando outscored Boston 65-40 in the final two quarters and improved its record to 3-1 in East Group C. Boston’s tournament record in the group stage fell to 2-1. The group champion won’t be determined until Tuesday’s games. Mo Wagner came off the bench to score a game-high 27 points for Orlando, which has won its last four home games. Paolo Banchero added 23 points, eight rebounds and five assists for the Magic.
Jayson Tatum led Boston with 26 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. The Celtics shot 24.1 percent from 3-point range (7 of 29).
Boston played without guard Jrue Holiday, who missed the game because of a right ankle sprain. Holiday is averaging 12.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 15 games this season. In addition, Boston’s Kristaps Porzingis left the game in the third quarter with left calf tightness and did not return. Porzingis had nine points and four rebounds in 22 minutes.
The Magic scored the first 10 points of the fourth quarter and stretched their lead to 87-74 on a Wagner basket with 9:21 to play. Boston failed to get closer than eight points the rest of the way. Boston received 18 points from Jaylen Brown and 16 from Derrick White.
Franz Wagner added 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists for the Magic.
The Celtics led 30-19 after one quarter and 56-48 at halftime. Boston extended its advantage to 62-50 with 9:41 remaining in the third, but Orlando went on a 17-0 run and took a 67-62 lead on a Banchero 3-pointer with 5:31 remaining in the third.
Orlando outscored Boston 29-18 in the quarter and led 77-74 entering the fourth.
