BOSTON, MA — The Boston Celtics fortified their stronghold at TD Garden with a commanding 114-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday, extending their impeccable home record to an NBA-leading 14-0. Kristaps Porzingis, returning after a brief hiatus, succinctly encapsulated the sentiment, “For a visiting team to come into this building and beat us, it’s got to be a special night for them, and we totally believe that.”
Jaylen Brown was the catalyst in the Celtics’ triumph, exploding with 17 of his 31 points in a game-defining fourth quarter. Boston’s offensive prowess was on full display, with the team nailing 17 3-pointers. This win marks the Celtics’ second-best start at home, trailing only behind the 1957-58 squad led by the legendary Bill Russell.
Coach Joe Mazzulla praised the team’s evolution, noting, “I think we’re starting to play what I would call Celtic basketball,” emphasizing their mental and defensive fortitude.
Jayson Tatum contributed 23 points, while Porzingis and Jrue Holiday added 15 and 14 points, respectively. Porzingis also collected 10 rebounds, showcasing his all-round abilities in the game.
Orlando’s Paolo Banchero led his team with a commendable 36 points and 10 rebounds, but the Magic struggled overall, shooting just 38.2%. Jalen Suggs supported with 13 points, yet it wasn’t enough to thwart the Celtics’ momentum.
The Celtics’ strategy was hardly impacted even when Tatum picked up his third foul in the second quarter. Instead, they surged forward, transforming a tied game into a substantial 61-50 lead by halftime, courtesy of Brown’s nine points in a decisive 20-5 run.
Despite attempts at a defensive adjustment, Orlando’s efforts to implement a zone defense did little to curb Boston’s offensive outburst. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley acknowledged the team’s growth but emphasized the dissatisfaction with the outcome, insisting, “This is not a moral victory.”
Looking ahead, the Magic will host the Miami Heat on Wednesday, while the Celtics are set to embark on a challenging West Coast tour, beginning with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. As Boston continues to blend skill with strategy, their formidable home record serves as a testament to their championship aspirations this season.
