And not one single shred of it mattered against an Orlando Magic team that couldn’t make a shot and suffered an offensive meltdown of historic proportions.
The Magic set all-time lows for points in a game (56), points in a half (20), field goals made (16) and field goal percentage (24.6 percent) in a downright unsightly 87-56 loss to the undermanned Celtics that defied all logic.
``They outplayed us, they played harder and tougher than we did,’’ said Magic point guard Jameer Nelson after Orlando broke the previous franchise low of 57 points in 1996 against Cleveland. ``We couldn’t execute and we didn’t help each other. It was a selfish game by us. For whatever reason, we didn’t stay together.’’
The Magic (11-5) came into the game well-rested, having not played since Friday’s home defeat of the Los Angeles Lakers, while the aging Celtics (7-9) were playing their second game in as many nights.
But nothing made sense on this gloomy, cold night in Boston. Over a 24-minute of the second and third quarters, the Magic made just seven of 31 shots and scored only 26 points. Shockingly, the Magic had just 45 points through three quarters and scored only 20 second-half points.
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Fittingly, the Magic turned the ball over on their first two possessions of the game and their last two possessions. The 24th and 25th turnovers of the night came in the final 57 seconds and ensured the Magic of setting the new all-time low for scoring.
``It didn’t start well and it got worse as the game went on,’’ Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. ``That’s the most dominating defensive performance I have ever had against me. There’s no singling anyone out. It’s the first game in my career I’ve been through where not one guy played well. That was an absolute beatdown and in most senses it was much worse than the score indicated.’’
The Magic don’t have long to get over the poor offensive showing. They play in Indiana Tuesday night against an 11-4 Pacers team that is unbeaten on its home court.
Boston was without starters Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo and reserves Keyon Dooling, Mickael Pietrus and Chris Wilcox because of injuries. Boston head coach Doc Rivers said he hopes that Allen, Rondo and Dooling will be able to return by Thursday when the Celtics face the Magic in Orlando.
Here is a closer look at some of the key moments from Monday’s game:
MAGIC MOMENTS
MAGIC MYSTERY
MAGIC MOVES
John Denton writes for OrlandoMagic.com. John has covered the Magic since 1997 and recently authored ``All You Can Be’’ with Magic center Dwight Howard. E-mail John at jd41898@aol.com
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