At this point of the season, injuries play a huge part for any team, and tonight was no exception, as the Orlando Magic only had ten available players. Missing Nikola Vucevic was a huge loss for the Magic, but also the three other questionable players, Evan Fournier, Luke Ridnour and Willie Green were out. The last three are important pieces in their rotation, though all of them have shifted between starters' and bench minutes during the season. The problem with missing that many regular players is that it messes up the rotations, and the possible lineups to put in play probably haven't played many minutes together during the season.
In the first quarter, it looked like that this could be a big issue for Orlando, as they had problems finding good shots against an average Boston defense. On the other end, Boston moved the ball well and got off to a great start. One big difference was that the Celtics hit three out of five three-pointers in the quarter, while the Magic missed all four of theirs. The Celtics led, 31-17, after the period.
Defensive effort by Orlando Magic turned the tables
The second quarter started in much the same manner with several turnovers for Orlando, and Boston was able to extend their lead to twenty points. After an Orlando timeout, it seemed like the tables had turned. Suddenly the Magic was able to get into the paint at will, while the Celtics stopped moving the ball, partly due to more aggressive defense by Orlando, but also because players started looking for their own shot instead of the extra pass. The Celtics lead melted away by the minute, and suddenly it was a one possession game with little over two minutes left in the half. At the end, Boston led by six, 49-43.
The second half started much more balanced with the two teams exchanging buckets and misses, but eventually Victor Oladipo took over the game and scored 11 points in the third quarter to give the Magic a five-point lead before Luigi Datome and Marcus Smart with a three pointer each took the lead back for the Celtics. Datome also played a couple of good defensive possessions and helped his team stay in the game. The third quarter ended with both teams equal at 69-all and set up for an exciting final period.
Boston took the early lead in the quarter, but they never increased it to more than five points, and eventually Orlando caught up with them again taking the lead back at 85-84 with three minutes left. Until that point Maurice Harkless had played a big role in the turnaround with his great defensive effort, but when he drilled his second three pointer of the night – he is shooting 14 percent behind the arc for the season – and on the next possession made a steal for a breakaway dunk, his contribution to the offense certainly couldn't be overlooked.
Two flagrant fouls by Boston in the final minute
Behind 84-90 Orlando lead, Boston needed stops but failed to produce any until Orlando was ahead, 94-86. And at that point, it was too late, even though a Brandon Bass three pointer made it a two possession game with 35 seconds left to the game. On the next Boston possession, Marcus Smart committed a flagrant two foul by putting his elbow to Elfrid Payton's face while driving to the basket. That gave Payton two free throws which he hit and a new possession for Orlando with a ten-point lead and 28 seconds to go.
However, the Celtics hadn't given up, and in just ten seconds, they had made it a two possession game again. At that time Isaiah Thomas committed the Celtics' second flagrant foul within 20 seconds, though only a type one, and sent Maurice Harkless to the line. Harkless missed his free throws, but there still wasn't enough time for Boston. Isaiah Thomas hit the final basket of the night, a three pointer, with two seconds left. Orlando Magic went on to win, 103-98, after a great comeback.
Brandon Bass had 17 rebounds
For Boston, Brandon Bass had a huge night with 19 points and a career-high 17 rebounds (his previous high was 13) along with five assists. Also Marcus Smart scored 16 points and no less than five steals, and Isaiah Thomas finished with 21 points and nine assists. Both players made great contributions for the Celtics. The Celtics are now 2.5 games behind the eighth ranked Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference.
Several players for Orlando contributed in a big way. Victor Oladipo led all scorers with 22 points, Tobias Harris had 21 points, Dewayne Dedmon pulled down 16 rebounds for a double-double with 11 points, Elfrid Payton was close to a triple-double with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists and finally Maurice Harkless came off the bench for 14 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and one block.
Next up for Boston is another Florida game tomorrow night in Miami, which is even more important for their playoff hopes. Orlando plays Tuesday in Indiana.
