The Celtics won their 20th game of the season with a home victory over the Magic led by Jaylen Brown’s 31 points.Paulo Banchero’s individual brilliance wasn’t enough to keep his team in the game, as they finished with 36 points and 10 rebounds.
That marked the 10th time this season and the fifth time this month that all five Celtics starters scored in double figures.History of the gameBoston appeared to remain the only team to remain undefeated at home so far this season, entering Friday’s game coming off a win over tonight’s opponents.Magic brought the energy early when Franz Wagner threw it to Jalen Suggs, who knocked it down with power. Banchero had a strong performance in the first quarter, scoring 19 points, including nine from beyond the arc.Orlando held the lead throughout the quarter, leading 31-27 after the first 12. Three minutes into the second, Payton Pritchard converted a three-pointer to give the Celtics the lead for the first time in the game.Banchero’s long-range shooting was on display as the forward made four three-pointers on five attempts midway through the second period.In a bad quarter for Orlando, Wagner particularly struggled, making only one of his 10 field goal attempts. Boston gained momentum late in the half and took a 50-61 lead. Boston controlled the first six minutes of the third, but Orlando did well to stay competitive against the best team in the league.As the third tied, the Magic continued to chip away at their opponent’s lead and a free throw from Banchero put them within four with five minutes remaining.But on the next possession, Kristaps Porzingis challenged three defenders at the rim and threw down a drop dunk while being fouled, converting the free throw.The Celtics regained a comfortable nine-point lead entering the final twelve. Five minutes into the fourth, Brown scored three consecutive points to give the Celtics a comfortable 16-point lead.Two minutes later, Jayson Tatum blocked Banchero at the edge of the court as his team took an 18-point lead and the Celtics looked increasingly confident.Tatum, Brown and Co. completed the victory with back-to-back victories against Orlando.
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