Bass, Celtics shoot lights out, blow out Magic, 109-92

Prior to returning home to the Amway Center for a four game home stand, the Orlando Magic made a stop in Boston to take on the Celtics. Boston's hot shooting, coupled with Orlando's inconsistency on both ends helped the Celtics take home the 109-92 victory.

Out of the gates, the Magic were relying on their man in the middle, Nikola Vucevic. Vucevic, who was playing in just his third game since returning from a back sprain, dominated early, scoring 12 points and grabbing eight rebounds, including six on the offensive glass. Despite shooting a blistering 12-of-17 from the field, the Celtics found themselves up just one heading into the second quarter, largely due to their turnover issues. The host Celtics turned it over seven times, leading to nine Magic points in the first 12 minutes. Jarred Sullinger, who was abusing Magic big man Channing Frye early, led the way for the Celtics, finishing with nine in the quarter.

Early in the second, things were going well for the Magic. They began making more shots, and were able to get stops on a consistent basis, which, in turn, allowed them to grab a 47-37 lead with just under five minutes to go in the quarter. Then, the Celtics made their run. Thanks to a flurry of three's, the Celtics were able to finish the quarter on a 19-to-6 run to grab a three point halftime lead. The Magic were led by their starting front court trio or Tobias Harris, Channing Frye and Vucevic, who combined for 36 points in the half, with Vucevic leading all with 14. Boston was led by second-year big man Kelly Olynyk, who finished with 10, including eight in their 19-to-6 run to end the half.

Following the halftime break, the Magic struggled some, putting up bad shots, allowing the Celtics to take better control of the game. Orlando seemed to be playing with little energy, despite holding the Celtics to their worst shooting quarter of the game. Boston took care of the ball, turning it over just one time after a sloppy first half that featured 10 turnovers. Jeff Green and Sullinger combined for 15 in the quarter, and the Celtics saw their lead grow slightly, heading into the fourth with a five point lead. Vucevic led the way for the Magic with 18, while Green and Sullinger had 16 a piece for the Celtics.

With the game still in reach, the Magic turned and ran away to hide. The offense continued to look poor and stagnant on many plays, and their defense was asleep on what seemed to be every Celtics possession. Boston's hot shooting, and ability to shut down the Magic consistently proved to be too much for the reeling Magic.

Boston brought forth a balanced effort, with six players finishing in double figures, led by Brandon Bass' 18. Green and Sullinger followed Bass closely, finishing with 16 a piece. Olynyk notched 15 off the bench, while Rajon Rondo came three rebounds shy of a triple-double, finishing with 13 points, 15 assists and seven rebounds. Tyler Zeller rounded out the Celtics in double figures, finishing with 10.

Orlando was led by Vucevic, who finished with an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double. Tobias Harris was right behind him, finishing with 17. Evan Fournier and Channing Frye finished with 13 each, while Kyle O`Quinn scored 11 off the bench.