The Orlando Magic had every reason to put their heads down early. But they found their fight again and got a crucial win over the Boston Celtics.
Aaron Gordon easily could have put his head down after the first two minutes of the game. He got called for a foul against Jayson Tatum on the first possession after his block attempt put him out of position for a rebound. A few possessions later, he extended his arm and got called for an offensive foul.
The Orlando Magic have had this air of a team fearing a return to the team’s frustrating past. Coming off this 1-5 road trip, the season seemed to be heading in the wrong direction and precariously close to the edge.
And this game seemed to be heading in the same direction. Gordon was in early foul trouble. The Orlando Magic found it difficult to crack a stout Boston Celtics defense. The team was settling for mid-range jumpers and struggling to keep the ball moving. Boston opened a 10-point lead that Orlando never seemed able to crack.
This is not how the Magic want their season to go. With half of the schedule still remaining, the team still has plenty to say about it. If Game 42 is any indication, the Magic might be able to help turn things around.
Aaron Gordon was chief among them, exploding for 28 points and getting to the foul line to make all 13 of his attempts. He helped lead a bench unit that was suddenly alive and producing, rescuing the Magic and giving it the spunk and edge it needed.
Orlando climbed into the lead and held on a late Boston rally, withstanding some poor games from key starters. And in the end, Wesley Iwundu stared down Jayson Tatum and got the stop to give the Magic a 105-103 win over the Celtics at Amway Center on Saturday.
Orlando scored 64 points against the strong Boston defense in the second half, getting out on the break and forcing its way to the line. The Magic did have to hold on at the end, losing a nine-point lead with 1:38 left and giving the Celtics a chance to win. But Orlando rediscovered some of the resilience that characterized their play early in the season.
At least for one night.
The Orlando Magic are right back to action Sunday as they take on the Houston Rockets at the Amway Center.