Magic 103, Celtics 95: Points in the paint help Magic get a rare win in Boston

Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, Matt Barnes, Rashard Lewis, and Dwight Howard were Orlando’s starters the last time the organization won a game in Boston. The year was 2010.

The Magic had dropped 14 straight in Boston at the TD Garden.

But that all ended Sunday afternoon, thanks mostly to Orlando’s 62 points in the paint. Boston is the NBA’s top rated defense, but that didn’t stop the Magic from scoring 90 points through the game’s first three quarters. Orlando was able to hold on despite a cold fourth quarter, and snapped a six game losing streak against the Celtics with a 103-95 win.

The Magic were led by Elfrid Payton, who lived in the paint all day. Payton had 22 points and 6 rebounds. Evan Fournier added 19 points in the contest.

Orlando was able to overcome a masterful performance by Kyrie Irving, who missed Boston’s last game Thursday night. Irving had 40 points (14-23 FG) to lead all scorers.

Orlando played Boston nearly even in the first half, thanks mostly to the efforts of their bench unit.

Irving was unstoppable in the first half, the Magic had no answers trying to defend the All-Star guard. Irving had 24 points at the half, including 15 points in the first quarter.

The Magic shot the ball well against the Celtics early, especially their bench. Orlando’s second unit went 9-14 from the field in the first half, led by D.J. Augustin (10 points) and Shelvin Mack (4 points, 3 assists). After leading by as much as eight points, the Magic gave up a mini-run to the Celtics and found themselves trailing Boston 59-58 at the half.

Orlando came out on an incredible 25-8 run to open up the third quarter. The Celtics began the quarter 1-11 from the field, while the Magic connected on 8 of their first 11 attempts. Boston committed 7 turnovers in the quarter. A Mario Hezonja three pushed Orlando’s lead to 19 to close out the third quarter. Payton and Fournier combined for 15 points in the third quarter alone.

Boston finally turned up their defense in the fourth quarter, holding the Magic to 1-15 shooting to open the final period. Elfrid Payton’s jumper stopped the bleeding and pushed Orlando’s lead back to double-digits with just under four minutes to play.

Khem Birch had two huge offensive rebounds and putbacks late in the game that helped seal Orlando’s victory.

Boston didn’t get much help from their bench. Orlando’s second unit outscored Boston’s 38-8. Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier were non-factors for the Celtics. The guards combined to go 2-12 from the field (0-6 from 3PT) with 5 turnovers.

Boston rookie Jayson Tatum, who entered today as the league’s leading 3-point shooter, was held to 9 points (4-11) and 10 rebounds.

Boston has now lost three games in a row, all at home. This is Boston’s longest losing streak of the season.

The Magic now head back home for a Tuesday night tilt against the Sacramento Kings.