Orlando's second half comeback falls short

The Orlando Magic fought their way back from a double-digit deficit Sunday afternoon, but couldn't finish the job against the Boston Celtics, falling 108-97 at Kia Center.

Playing without Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac, Orlando trailed 55-50 at halftime. Boston extended its lead in the third, but Tristan da Silva helped bring the Magic back within three points, 69-66, with 3:57 remaining in the quarter. Da Silva finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds, hitting five three-pointers. Anthony Black also scored 23, while Desmond Bane added 19. Franz Wagner struggled offensively, shooting 5-of-20 from the field, but still managed 12 assists.

Before the game, Magic coach Sean Sweeney told NewStitched Media that rebounding against Boston would require players to recognize who was crashing the boards and make contact. On turnovers, he emphasized better spacing and making decisions with balance when attacking the paint. Orlando won the rebounding battle 54-49, but turnovers remained a problem. The Magic committed 18, which Boston converted into 21 points.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla told NewStitched Media before tipoff that what impressed him most about his team's recent winning stretch was its approach to preparation, regardless of the outcome. "They've had a clear process of how we're going to handle winning and losing," Mazzulla said.

Boston outscored Orlando 31-23 in the fourth quarter. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 32 points and seven assists, including 15 points from the free-throw line. The Celtics improved to 5-1 with their fifth straight win. Orlando dropped to 2-4 and hosts Washington on Monday at 7:30 p.m.

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