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Orlando Magic Grades: Orlando Magic 103, Boston Celtics 95

By Philip Rossman-Reich

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 21: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on January 21, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 21: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Boston Celtics on January 21, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic surprised the NBA, scoring a 103-95 win over the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics on the road in a Sunday matinee.

The Orlando Magic were struggling to corral Kyrie Irving. He was yo-yo-ing around the Magic defense, making tough jumpers and shots over and around them. Irving seemed no worse for the wear after missing a game with a shoulder injury.

This was the Magic’s nightmare. Or supposedly it was. The Magic team is rarely ready to grind and find a way to persevere through these moments.

Yet, Elfrid Payton kept up the attack. Jonathon Simmons continued to dig out defensive stops. Evan Fournier kept putting in baskets. And Khem Birch brought the energy to dominate defensively.

Even as the Boston Celtics tried to make a last-ditch run in the fourth quarter, the Orlando Magic closed the door with its defense and timely shot making.

A 32-12 third quarter proved to be enough as the Magic put the clamps on the Celtics 103-95 at the TD Garden on Sunday, winning their first game in Boston in eight years.

Orlando continued its strong run of play, putting in work on the defensive end in the third quarter to pull away and take as much as a 19-point lead. The Celtics struggled to get much going offensively outside of Irving, who had 40 points.

Once Orlando was able to contain its own turnovers, Boston struggled to stop Orlando.

Elfrid Payton led the way with 22 points and was a big driver for the team. But it was really more about the little things. The way the Magic were able to dig out 50/50 balls or get steals or preserve possessions against a difficult-to-crack Celtics defense.

That was something missing from this team for much of the past two months. Orlando has begun to find it again in the last few weeks.

The Magic put their foot down and dominated the best team in the Eastern Conference, showing some long-awaited pride and grit to get their second victory in three games.

B+. Elfrid Payton is leading the charge right now. The Orlando Magic have always known with the ball in his hands, he can do a lot of good. He has gotten smarter and more selective with his shot decisions and is slithery in the paint and around the basket. He continues to show all of that in this recent stretch. He has hit his stride.<p>Payton led the team with 22 points, grabbing six rebounds. He made 9 of his 16 shots for a fairly efficient performance. This was Payton at his most aggressive, someone who was getting into the lane and getting all the way to the basket. Obviously, Payton was not hitting too many jumpers.</p><p>He had at least some of the assignment on Kyrie Irving. And so some of those 40 points fall on him. But he was good at digging out the ball and creating steal opportunities. Another overall great effort.</p>. PG. Orlando Magic. ELFRID PAYTON

B-. <a href=. G/F. Orlando Magic. EVAN FOURNIER

G. Orlando Magic. SHELVIN MACK. A-. <a href=

B. Everyone could feel the collective sigh from Orlando Magic twitter when <a href=. C. Orlando Magic. KHEM BIRCH

At this point in the season, a top Playoff team losing to the Orlando Magic should raise some concern. It is the kind of loss that does not look good. These are the kind of wins spunky young teams — like the Magic may or may not be — relish. They provide hope. Take it for what you will.<p>The Celtics defense let them down. The top defense in the league was not able to corral or control the Magic. Orlando was able to score fairly easily. It took the fourth quarter for Boston to lock down and play at the level the team knows it is capable of.</p><p>This is not a moment to panic for Boston. Not at all. The Celtics are recovering from injury — although Kyrie Irving did not seem worse for the wear. And the offense seemed to stagnate on this day. The Magic were able to do what they needed and dug out the win. Not a good showing for Boston.</p>. 34-13. 1st East. BOSTON CELTICS. C-

Next: Mario Hezonja has found his niche

The Orlando Magic return home to take on the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday at the Amway Center.