Orlando extended its winning streak to four games in a way that the team has not in the past three. Instead of having to come from behind, the Magic held off a furious fourth-quarter rally from the Celtics to get a very big victory at the TD Banknorth Garden.
First the good:
The Magic came out recognizing this could be a statement game even though Boston was without Keven Garnett and Rajon Rondo. The Celtics were a little flat-footed and could not shoot well enough to keep up with the Magic.
Dwight Howard did get into foul trouble early. But strong play from the bench -- namely Anthony Johnson and Marcin Gortat -- gave the Magic a comfortable 10-point margin. Then Howard came back and helped Orlando tear out to a 20-point lead.
What worked in the first half did not seem to work in the second half.
The Celtics, behind Kendrick Perkins and Leon Powe, stifled Howard and kept him from being a factor offensively. And when that happens, it makes it considerably easier for Orlando to score.
Still it was a 20-point deficit and it did take a very focused effort from Ray Allen to bring Boston all the way back. Allen scored 32 points and helped cut the lead to three points.
But Orlando had enough answers to finish the game. Howard had a couple of big plays to help keep the Magic in front as did Hedo Turkoglu.
It certainly was not the typical Magic win. But any time you can beat the defending champions in their place, it is a solid win.
You would hope Orlando learned some things out of this game and continued to get mentally ready for the postseason. The Celtics showed why they won the title last year and are favorites to repeat this season.
The Magic have some ways to go to be ready to play 48 minutes against the league's best for seven games.
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4 years ago
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