Magic reverse roles on visiting Celtics for 123-110 victory

Magic Reverse Roles on Visiting Celtics for 123-110 Victory

Franz Wagner scored 27 points, leading seven Magic players who reached double figures, as the Celtics struggled down the stretch in Orlando.

Playoff Rivalry and Team Changes

Last spring, the Celtics and Magic faced off in a tough first-round playoff series marked by Orlando’s physical play, which Boston noted as a major challenge. Though the Celtics won the series in five games, the intense matchup seemed to take a toll, contributing to their subsequent loss to the Knicks.

Since that time, both teams have evolved. The Magic reinforced their offense by adding Desmond Bane, while the Celtics have adopted a scrappier role, often playing as underdogs.

Recent NBA Cup Game Overview

In their latest meeting during an NBA Cup game on Friday, the Magic shocked the Celtics with an exceptional shooting performance that Boston couldn’t overcome. Despite rallying from an early 16-point deficit and briefly regaining the lead in the fourth quarter, the Celtics faded and eventually lost 123-110.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 32 points and nine rebounds.
Payton Pritchard contributed 27 points.
Franz Wagner led the Magic’s scoring with 27 points.
The Magic made a season-best 17 of 36 three-pointers.
Orlando outscored Boston 39-strong in the fourth quarter.

"I didn’t feel like we got out-physicaled," said Pritchard.

The game highlighted a shift in momentum, with the Magic delivering a dominant performance that challenged the Celtics’ recent form.

Author’s summary: The Magic’s sharp shooting and balanced scoring overturned the Celtics, underscoring the evolving dynamics between these playoff rivals.

The Boston Globe — 2025-11-08