The Boston Celtics encountered their first major challenge of the young season, defeating the Orlando Magic 126-120 at Amway Center on Saturday.
The Celtics improved to 3-0 on the season, while the Magic fell to 0-3.
Check out the full box score here.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
The Celtics allowed the inferior Magic to be within reach of the game, resulting in a competitive battle against a winless Orlando team.
Boston’s defense showed its first signs of noteworthy struggle, highlighting the absences of veteran Al Horford and defensive anchor Robert Williams. Williams, who remains sidelined due to recovery from his knee injury, was notably missed against the Magic, with the Celtics’ frontcourt struggling to both protect the glass and neutralize Orlando’s bigs.
The Magic out-rebounded the Celtics 48-37, while also totaling 22 second-chance points to Boston’s six.
Foul commitment came into play yet again, assisting Orlando’s run at closing the Celtics’ lead gap throughout the contest.
Boston’s offense, led by Jayson Tatum, remained strong. The Celtics connected on 19 total 3-point attempts and 24 assists — with Marcus Smart finishing as the assist leader of the game, recording eight. Five Celtics players — Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Grant Williams and Malcolm Brogdon — finished in double-digits while the bench delivered 39 points of contribution.
The largest lead the Celtics managed to put together within the game was nine points.
STARS OF THE GAME
— Tatum led the way in scoring for the Celtics, finishing with 40 points, shooting 14-for-21 from the field with six rebounds.
— White came through, delivering a pivotal performance that featured a strong outside shooting night from the veteran guard. White, who hit five 3-point field goals, scored 27 points with four rebounds and four assists, finishing 10-for-17 from the field.
— Magic guard Terrence Ross kept Orlando within striking distance, serving as the biggest offensive threat to the Celtics. The 31-year-old veteran finished with 29 points, shooting 11-for-16 from the field while knocking down five 3-pointers and collecting three rebounds.
WAGER WATCH
White found a quick hot hand from 3-point range, connecting on 4-of-4 attempts in the first half. DraftKings Sportsbook set the odds of White’s over/under 3-pointer total at 1.5 with +105 odds on the Over. White’s total of five 3-pointers knocked down, cleared those odds with ease. A $100 bet on White’s outside shooting would’ve resulted in a $205 total payout.
UP NEXT
Now three for three to start the season, the Celtics will have Sunday off before continuing their road trip against the Chicago Bulls. Tipoff from the United Center on Monday is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
