The Orlando Magic felt as if they were in a nightmare Monday evening but unfortunately it was reality.
Paul Pierce and former Magic forward Brandon Bass led the Celtics with 19 points a piece in an 87-56 victory over the Magic.
The Celtics without All-Stars Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo didn’t miss a beat. Holding the Magic to just 20 second half points.
Orlando would be held to 56 points on 16 made field goals, both franchise lows. Including a season high 25 turnovers (20 coming in the second half).
“Defensively that was as good as you can get,” Rivers said.
Pierce who is still trying to find his groove this season carried the Celtic’s offense.
“Hopefully it’ll funnel over to the guys that were out,” said Pierce. “We have no more excuses.”
Dwight Howard led the Magic with 18 points and 14 rebounds. However Howard would go 0-6 from the field in the second half to go along with his 40% free throw shooting.
“It was a tough game. They pressured us a lot,” Howard said. “We rushed shots. It just wasn’t a good night overall for us.”
Kevin Garnett finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Howard was the only Magic player to reach double figures in points. Ryan Anderson would be held with out a point all night, shooting 0-8 from the field.
The key to the Magic’s early success this year has been because of their balanced attack. Hopefully they can regroup and bounce back.
Orlando (11-5) will travel to Indiana (11-4) to play the Pacers Tuesday night, tip off set at 7pm.
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