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Keys to the Game: Celtics 100, Magic 75

Marc D'Amico
Team Reporter and Analyst

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Key Moment

The Celtics took care of business Friday night in Orlando, and they took care of business in a hurry.

Boston dominated the Magic throughout the entire first quarter, building a lead that reached as many as 25 points during the opening frame. That electric opening quarter set the tone for a 100-75 win.

The C’s had it cooking at both ends of the court during those first 12 minutes.

Offensively, they canned six 3-pointers while shooting 48.0 percent from the field to earn a 35-11 lead heading into the second quarter. The ball was moving to create those shots, too, as Boston assisted on eight of its 12 made baskets in the period.

Defensively, the C’s shrunk the floor with their length and athleticism. Hands and arms were in nearly every passing lane. Orlando rarely found an uncontested shot. The Magic shot just 4-for-20 from the field during the opening frame, all while committing seven turnovers.

Typically in an NBA game, the team that falls behind by a large deficit will make a run at some point. That wasn’t the case Friday night.

Boston kept its foot down and dominated from start to finish to advance to 2-0 in the preseason.

Key Player

Jaylen Brown was everything the Celtics want him to be Friday night in Orlando. He might not garner the same headlines as Jayson Tatum, but he should.

Brown was uber-active and uber-effective at both ends of the court while tallying 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals during his 22-plus minutes of action. He finished the contest as a plus-27, which tied Tatum for the best mark in the game.

There was so much to like about what Brown did to the Magic. He remained under control while aggressively slashing to the basket. He crashed the glass hard every time a rebound opportunity presented itself. He did not commit a single turnover. He disrupted Orlando’s offense with his strength and his length.

Long story short, Brown was great, and if he plays like this all season long, he’s gonna be a problem.

Box Score Nuggets

  • Boston limited Orlando to 31.3 percent shooting in the game.
  • Orlando scored 22 points off of Boston's 22 turnovers.
  • Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 15 points.
  • The Celtics grabbed 59 rebounds in the game.
  • Boston's scoring decreased during each quarter, from 35, to 27, to 21, to 17.
  • Grant Williams scored 10 points off the bench.
  • Tatum grabbed a game-high three steals.
  • Aaron Gordon shot just 1-for-14 from the field.
  • Terrence Ross scored a game-high 21 points and made four of Orlando's six 3-pointers.
  • Boston led by as many as 35 points and never trailed.
  • No player in the game dished out more than four assists.

Quote of the Night

Marcus Smart on Boston's maturity level