Jayson Tatum Leads Celtics to 108-97 Victory Over Orlando Magic

On Sunday, in Orlando, Florida, the Boston Celtics secured their fifth straight victory with a 108-97 win over the Orlando Magic, improving their record to 5-1 on the season.

Tatum Anchors Celtics With 32 Points

Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 32 points. He did heavy damage from the charity stripe by sinking 15 of his 17 free-throw attempts.

The night included a brief scare. Tatum exited the game late in the first quarter after the back of his head collided inadvertently with the forehead of Orlando’s Jamal Cain, requiring a trip to the locker room. He returned with 6:13 left in the first half.

Magic Stage Second-Half Surge

Boston established a 15-point lead early in the third quarter by shutting out the Magic over the initial four minutes of the half. Orlando dropped to 2-4 overall and 0-3 at home.

Paul George had Jayson Tatum calling his defense "next-level" after Sunday's W in Orlando.🔑 https://t.co/Gd1lBek3eI pic.twitter.com/XtT4DHq1Vm

— https://x.com/celtics/status/2117039116642824308

The hosts responded behind Tristan da Silva, who knocked down three of his five 3-pointers during a 12-0 run. That surge trimmed Boston’s cushion to 77-74 heading into the final period.

The Magic briefly leveled the score at 79 early in the fourth quarter when Anthony Black picked Paul George’s pocket on an outlet pass and finished a three-point play. Yet Orlando failed to capitalize on the ensuing possession when Franz Wagner missed a layup that would have given his team the lead.

Depleted Orlando Roster Fights Hard

Playing without Paolo Banchero—who missed his fourth straight game due to a high-ankle sprain—the Magic heavily relied on Wagner. He finished with 14 points and a career-high 12 assists alongside 23 points each from Black and da Silva.

Despite that offensive distribution, Boston’s defense stiffened when it mattered most. Neemias Queta provided two critical blocks in the final two minutes, and Paul George drained a 3-pointer with 1:32 remaining to push the lead to 11 points.

Bench Contributions Fuel Boston

Boston leads the NBA in bench scoring.

Luka Garza contributed 12 points, and Baylor Scheierman added 10 for the visitors.

Quick Turnaround on Monday Night

The Celtics head to Houston on Monday night. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic look to rebound on their home floor when they host Washington on Monday night.