The Orlando Magic closed strongly behind Franz Wagner’s all-around efficiency and a late defensive surge, defeating the Boston Celtics 123-110 at the Kia Center on Friday night. The Magic outscored Boston 28-14 across the final six minutes, turning a tight contest into a convincing finish that lifted Orlando to 4-5 on the season while handing Boston (4-6) its first loss in Group B play of the 2025 NBA Cup.
The night began with Orlando asserting early control behind fluid half-court execution and confident shot-making. The Magic shot 49 percent from the field and 50 percent (9-for-18) from beyond the arc in the first half, with Wagner setting the tone. His drives into the lane and decisive mid-range looks helped Orlando build a 16-point advantage midway through the opening period. Boston, meanwhile, struggled to match the Magic’s physicality and rhythm early, often settling for contested jumpers and struggling to consistently finish around the rim.
Even so, Jaylen Brown refused to let the Celtics drift too far. Brown was aggressive from the outset, hunting mismatches and using his strength to get downhill. He scored a game-high 32 points (15-for-28) with nine rebounds, including 18 points in the second half as Boston attempted to claw back. Payton Pritchard added 27 points (8-for-16) and four assists, providing vital scoring support when the Celtics’ half-court offense bogged down.
The Celtics’ best stretch came coming out of halftime. With increased defensive pressure and more purposeful ball movement, Boston cut into the deficit and eventually erased it in the third quarter. After trailing by double digits for much of the night, Boston tied the game early in the fourth when Anfernee Simons drilled a three from the right wing, knotting the score at 86-86 with 9:52 remaining. Minutes later, Derrick White capped the Celtics’ turnaround with a go-ahead basket—their first lead since the four-minute mark of the first quarter.
But the Celtics’ momentum was short-lived. Once the Magic fell behind, they responded with renewed physical commitment on both ends. Orlando tightened its defensive coverage, forcing Boston into late-clock possessions and one-pass isolation sets. Transition opportunities followed. The Magic scored 29 fast-break points in the game, capitalizing on Boston turnovers, missed shots, and slow floor balance.
Wagner took control late, finishing with 27 points (9-for-18), six rebounds, and six assists. Whether operating as a downhill driver or a connector facilitating Orlando’s half-court actions, he dictated tempo in crunch time. His patience and decision-making helped Orlando exploit mismatches and get high-quality attempts near the rim.
Supporting contributions proved decisive for the Magic as well. While Orlando secured only 11 offensive rebounds, they converted the majority into second-chance points, repeatedly breaking Boston’s defensive resolve by prolonging possessions. Their collective scoring balance also wore down the Celtics over four quarters.
For Boston, Simons contributed all 11 of his points in the fourth quarter, giving the Celtics scoring flurries at key moments. But as the final minutes unfolded, the Celtics’ offense leaned heavily on one-on-one situations, while Orlando executed with structure and poise. The Magic’s late 28-14 closing run punctuated a game defined by their responses to Boston’s counterpunches.
Friday’s loss marked Boston’s first setback in NBA Cup Group B play, dropping them to 1-1 in pool competition. The Celtics will continue tournament action later this month with matchups against Detroit and Brooklyn. Orlando, meanwhile, improved to 1-1 in their group and will look to build on the momentum.
The two teams won’t have to wait long for a rematch. They return to the same floor on Sunday for another regular-season meeting—one that Boston will view as both a test of resilience and an opportunity to pivot the narrative after losing control of the final stretch.