Tatum's 32 carry Celtics past Magic for a fifth straight win
Boston shot 27 percent from three and still won comfortably in Orlando, leaning on Jayson Tatum's free-throw parade and a 16-turnover night from the Magic.
The Boston Celtics are 5-1, and Sunday's 108-97 win over the Orlando Magic at Kia Center showed why this streak might have legs: it was an ugly shooting night that never felt in doubt for long.
Tatum sets the tone
Jayson Tatum finished with 32 points, making 15 of 17 free throws, plus seven assists and two blocks — his third 30-point game in six outings, per NBC Sports Boston. He briefly left late in the first quarter after a head collision with Jamal Cain, was checked in the locker room, and returned before halftime with Boston up 55-50 at the break.
The supporting cast mattered just as much. Neemias Queta, starting in place of a resting Mitchell Robinson, posted 8 points, 9 rebounds and two blocks. Luka Garza scored 12, Baylor Scheierman 10, and Paul George saved 10 of his 17 points for the fourth quarter.
Orlando's push, and the moment it broke
Down 15 in the third, the Magic ripped off a 12-0 run fueled by Tristan da Silva, who hit five threes on his way to 23 points. Anthony Black matched him with 23, and his three-point play tied the game at 79 early in the fourth. The next possession was the hinge: Franz Wagner — 14 points and a career-high 12 assists — missed a layup that would have given Orlando its first lead since the first half. Boston pulled away, and after the Magic closed to 97-93 with 3:59 left, the Celtics finished on an 11-4 run, George's three with about 90 seconds left sealing it.
What it means
Boston won despite going 12-of-44 from deep, instead feasting on 16 Orlando turnovers and 15 second-chance points. That is a formula that travels. For the Magic, now 2-4 and 0-3 at home, the picture is harder: Paolo Banchero missed his fourth straight game with a high-ankle sprain, and competitive second halves keep ending the same way. Boston visits Houston on Monday; Orlando hosts Washington the same night.