BOSTON (AP) – The Boston Celtics’ reserves secured a 113-108 victory against the Orlando Magic on Sunday night, highlighted by Baylor Scheierman’s career-high 30 points and Luka Garza’s critical 3-pointer in the closing seconds.
This defeat relegated the Magic to a play-in tournament game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Ron Harper Jr. also made a significant impact for Boston, scoring 27 points and contributing 12 rebounds. Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 23 points, while Jalen Suggs matched that total, but the loss forced the Magic to drop from a potential home playoff position to eighth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Celtics’ Strategy and Player Performance
The Celtics rested eight regular rotation players, including stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, as they prepared for the playoffs. Despite missing Tatum for much of the season due to Achilles tendon surgery, Boston achieved a commendable 56-26 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
In the fourth quarter, Boston initially held a commanding lead of 101-85 before the Magic began to close the gap. Wendell Carter Jr.’s free throw narrowed the lead to 108-105 with 1:37 left, and Suggs’ 3-pointer tied the game. However, Garza’s decisive 3-pointer off an in-bounds play ultimately sealed the victory for the Celtics.
Magic’s Playoff Outlook
The loss was particularly disappointing for the Magic, who had entered the game on a five-game winning streak and were vying for a home playoff game. After the defeat, they fell to eighth place and are set to face the Philadelphia 76ers in the play-in game. The Magic had been tied with the Toronto Raptors for sixth place before this critical match.
Despite the setback, Orlando’s performance throughout the season has shown promise, with Banchero and Suggs emerging as key players. The upcoming play-in game will be crucial for the Magic as they aim to secure a spot in the main playoff bracket.