Magic opens NBA Cup play with win over Celtics

The Orlando Magic started their NBA Cup campaign with a strong 123–110 victory over the Boston Celtics on Friday night.

Game Highlights

Franz Wagner led Orlando with 27 points, while Desmond Bane added 22 points and seven assists. Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 18 points and five rebounds, and Paolo Banchero finished with 15 points and nine rebounds.

For Boston, Jaylen Brown scored 32 points, followed by Payton Pritchard with 27 points and Derrick White, who tallied 16 points and 10 assists.

Key Runs and Momentum Shifts

In the opening quarter, Wagner, Tristan da Silva, and Anthony Black each hit 3-pointers during a 20–2 run that pushed the Magic ahead by 16 points, their largest lead of the night. The Celtics managed to rally, tying the game in the second half and briefly leading 96–95 after Brown’s midrange jumper midway through the fourth quarter.

“We regrouped quickly and stayed aggressive from the arc when it mattered most,” said a Magic player after the game.

Orlando sealed the victory with a 17–4 run powered by 3-pointers from Wagner, Bane, and Carter Jr., holding off Boston’s late push. Brown kept Boston close by scoring 14 straight points before resting near the end of the third quarter, while Anfernee Simons added 11 points early in the final period.

Group Context

This matchup was the first between the teams since Boston eliminated Orlando in the opening round of last season’s playoffs. Both teams compete in East Group B of the NBA’s in-season tournament, which also includes Brooklyn, Detroit, and Philadelphia.

Stats and Efficiency

Orlando shot 50% from the field.
The Magic made 17 of 36 three-point attempts (47.2%).
Boston converted 13 of 37 shots from deep (35%).

Author’s Summary

The Orlando Magic displayed resilience and precision from three-point range to claim a decisive 123–110 win over Boston in their NBA Cup opener.

WESH — 2025-11-08