On the heels of the New England Patriots’ AFC Championship Game, the Boston Celtics lost to the Orlando Magic at the TD Garden, 103-95, bringing their losing streak to three straight games.
After missing Thursday’s game against the 76ers, Kyrie Irving returned to the floor to score 10 of Boston’s first 14 points in the first quarter.
Following an Orlando 8-2 run, Terry Rozier III came up with a huge last-second steal and lay-up to put the C’s ahead 29-28 at the end of the first.
The Celtics were still in the game with plenty of time to play, as they were only trailing by one heading into halftime.
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Orlando came out of the half on fire, outscoring the C’s 32-12 in the quarter, while shooting 60 percent from the field. The Magic found a way to hold the Celtics to only four field goals (three by Irving) in the quarter.
Entering the fourth quarter, the Magic held a commanding, 90-71, lead over the Celtics.
Jayson Tatum and Kyrie Irving helped to bring it within 98-91, but Orlando found a way to maintain control the rest of the way after trading baskets down the stretch.
Orlando’s 103-95 win snapped a 13-game winning streak for the Celtics at home against the Magic.
Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 40 points (14-23 FG, 7-8 FT), seven rebounds and five assists. Jayson Tatum came close to a double-double with nine points (4-11 FG, 1-4 3PT) and 10 rebounds. And six players off of the Celtics’ bench combined for eight points on 4-of-19 from the field.
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It’s the first time all season the Celtics have dropped three in a row, following yesterday’s loss in Boston. The C’s upcoming four-game West coast trip that includes matchups against the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors and Nuggets.
Kyrie Irving led all scorers with 40 points (14-23 FG, 7-8 FT), seven rebounds and five assists. Jayson Tatum came close to a double-double with nine points (4-11 FG, 1-4 3PT) and 10 rebounds. And Jaylen Brown put up 17 points (7-12 FG) and seven rebounds. Six players off the Celtics’ bench combined for eight points on 4-of-19 from the field.
UP NEXT: The Celtics (34-13) will start their West coast trip tomorrow night against the Los Angeles Lakers (17-29) at the Staples Center in L.A. Catch the call of the game with Sean Grande and Cedric Maxwell live on 98.5 The Sports Hub. Pre-game coverage begins at 10:00 p.m., with tip-off set for 10:30 p.m.
— By John ‘The Dude’ Hardiman, 985TheSportsHub.com