The Orlando Magic fell to the Boston Celtics in the team’s first game in the Amway Center, 120-126. Despite the loss, the Magic looked very impressive in taking the defending eastern conference champions down to the wire. They even led at many points throughout the game.
The Opposing Stars Have Not Been Kept in Check
The Magic were coming off a 98-108 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in State Farm Arena Friday night heading into opening night for fans in Central Florida.
The loss for Orlando came in large part to Trae Young having an exceptional night. Young finished with 25 points and 13 assists and shot slightly below 40 percent from three. The slow start for Young, however, allowed the Magic to gain a big lead on the Hawks in the first half. Once Young got the hot hand, though, Atlanta eventually climbed back to claim the ten-point win.
The home opener on Saturday night felt the same way. Celtic’s Superstar Jayson Tatum performed like an MVP candidate, recording 40 points and eight rebounds on 14/21 (66.7%) shooting from the field. Tatum’s presence was certainly felt, keeping the Celtics afloat against the Magic ithroughout the night.
In the fourth quarter, with a close game at hand, Tatum and Celtics guard Derrick White combined for 12 straight points to push Boston to the win. The other Boston stars, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart, only had 12 and 6 points respectively. In spite of this, Brown did grab nine rebounds and Smart dished out eight assists.
Paolo Banchero is the Real Deal and Other Magic Players Looked Impressive
Three games into the 2022-2023 NBA Season, Banchero has the rookie of the year award all but locked up. Banchero had 23 points against Boston and now has 20 points or more in all of his games so far this season. The first-overall pick has not been shy about driving to the rim to get points in the paint, which is where the vast majority of his points have come from.
Banchero was helped out big time by veteran swingman Terrence Ross, who led the Magic with 29 points. Ross was nearly automatic from three-point range, going 5-8 () behind the arc. Franz Wagner had 18 points and six rebounds. Cole Anthony had another great game with 14 points and six assists. For reference, Anthony was coming off an incredible 25-point performance against the Hawks.
Wendell Carter Jr. also continues to be the reliable big man the Magic need as he finished with 15 points and twelve rebounds, his second double-double of the season.
Turnover Trouble
The Magic are averaging 15 turnovers a game so far and had nine in the loss to Boston. The number going down would really help Orlando in winning the tight games they have been in here in the early stages of the season. They led Boston in many categories including rebounding and three point percentage. If the number of turnovers were to go down, the wins may start to pile up for head coach Jamahl Mosley and company.
Up Next
The Magic are now 0-3 with losses to the Pistons, Hawks, and now Celtics to start the season. The team looks to claim their first win of the season on Monday night in Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. E.T.