The Orlando Magic got another strong performance from Victor Oladipo, but could not scratch the Boston Celtics’ defense in a loss Monday night.
The Orlando Magic continued their run through some of the best teams in the Eastern Conference by running into the buzz saw that is the Boston Celtics and their defense. And it was as advertised.
The Celtics guards were hounding the Magic’s guards and keeping them out of the paint, forcing the Magic into tough shots and frustrated offense. There were plenty of mid-range jumpers and late-shot-clock situations for the Magic.
Orlando was playing uphill most of the game and struggling to keep Boston out of the paint. The Celtics stretched the Magic extremely thin and got 3-pointers from Kelly Olynyk to gain distance.
The Magic had plenty of effort and intensity. They were not rolling over for the Celtics at all. They came back from the double-digit deficit and cut the lead to four.
But as has been the case throughout the year, the Magic were unable to buckle down at the end. Isaiah Thomas made some difficult shots and the Magic could not get the baskets they needed. Boston’s defense had won the day.