Celtics vs. Magic: Jayson Tatum Leads Boston Into the Fourth Quarter in Orlando as Win Streak Is on the Line

This post was written while the game was still in progress, before the final result. Check the official box score for the final.

The Boston Celtics took a four-game winning streak into Orlando on Sunday afternoon, and late in the fourth quarter they were in position to make it five. ESPN’s live box score had Boston up 90-83 on the Magic with 7:10 left at Kia Center, with Jayson Tatum leading everyone in scoring.

The game tipped off at 3:30 PM ET. It was on NBA League Pass and SiriusXM, per NBA.com.

Celtics vs. Magic: how the game went

It was close most of the way. NBA.com’s line score showed Boston ahead 24-23 after one quarter and 55-50 at halftime. Orlando won the third quarter 24-22 to stay within three going into the fourth. The two teams combined for five lead changes and four ties.

Boston’s edge came from points in the paint and ball security. Through three-plus quarters, NBA.com’s team stats had the Celtics ahead 32-28 inside and with 9 turnovers to Orlando’s 15. Boston had turned those Orlando giveaways into 21 points.

Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic player stats (in progress)

Per ESPN’s live box score with 7:10 left in the fourth quarter:

Celtics - Jayson Tatum: 28 points (6-of-17 shooting, 15-of-17 free throws), 5 assists - Paul George: 12 points, 8 assists - Luka Garza: 12 points off the bench - Derrick White: 10 points, team-high +13 - Payton Pritchard: 5 points on 2-of-9 shooting, 5 rebounds

Magic - Anthony Black: 21 points, 7 rebounds - Tristan da Silva: 18 points (4-of-7 from three), 8 rebounds - Desmond Bane: 14 points - Franz Wagner: 12 points, 10 assists - Wendell Carter Jr.: 7 points, 9 rebounds

These numbers will change before the final buzzer.

The storylines coming in

Boston’s streak. NBA.com’s preview noted that the Celtics lost their opener 121-113 to Detroit and then won four straight. Payton Pritchard has been a big part of that run off the bench, with 28 points in Monday’s win over Chicago and 30 in Friday’s rematch with the Bulls. Coach Joe Mazzulla said after Friday’s game that “the sky’s the limit” for Pritchard and praised his play on both ends.

Orlando’s home struggles. The Magic came back from a road trip that ended with a split in Toronto: a 129-99 loss on Wednesday, then a 121-114 win on Friday in which they closed on a 21-12 run. Orlando went 2-1 on the trip but was 0-2 at home going into Sunday. “Now let’s sustain it at home and give the fans something to cheer about,” coach Sean Sweeney said, per NBA.com.

Franz Wagner’s message. After the win in Toronto, Wagner said the team’s toughness “has to become a habit.”

What’s next

According to NBA.com’s schedule, Boston hosts Milwaukee on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 7:30 PM ET.

Quick FAQ

What time did Celtics vs. Magic start? 3:30 PM ET on Sunday, Nov. 1, at Kia Center in Orlando.

Who won Celtics vs. Magic? The game was still going when this was written. Boston led late in the fourth quarter.

Who led the Celtics in scoring? Jayson Tatum, with 28 points as of the fourth quarter.