May

5

Magic Hang Tough Against Celtics Late Surge Win 95-90

Posted by Jeff Sack under Main 

Rashard Lewis led the Orlando Magic with 18 points while center Dwight Howard recorded a double-double with 16 points and grabbed 22 boards as they defeated the Boston Celtics Monday night 95-90. The victory gives Orlando a 1-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semi-final series. The Magic had led Boston by 28 points in the third quarter only to see the Celtics get as close as just 3 points down in the final quarter. Orlando would however withstand the rally by Boston and hold on for the victory.

For  the second consecutive series the Celtics have surrendered home court advantage in the opening game. Boston was able to turn it around an inexperienced Bulls team but they are dealing with a far different opponent in Orlando. They are not a team you want to give away any advantage which the “Green Team” did by losing the opener.

Sunday I wrote a preview of this series Keys To Boston Beating Magic? Rajon And Big Baby Need To Step Up. The Celtics got what they needed out of their point guard but Davis was plagued by foul trouble and would foul out of the contest. If Boston has any hopes of advancing they have to play disciplined and smart ball and not allow fouls to hinder them.

The first quarter was closely fought until the Magic pulled away towards the end of the period and taking a 24-19 advantage. Orlando however would dominate the second and walk into the locker room with a 54-36 lead. The Magic opened the third on an 11-1 run and looked as if they were ready to put the Celtics away as they led 65-37 with 8:57 on the clock.

However Boston at that point seemed to awaken from the slumber they had been in all game. Although they still had a lot of ground to makeup the Celtics had cut deeply into the deficit as Orlando was on top 78-62 at the end of the quarter. Boston came alive in the final 12 minutes of play as they trailed by just 3 points at 93-90 with 6 seconds to play after Paul Pierce nailed a 26 foot trey. However the Celtics would not score again as their come-back bid fell short.

Rashard Lewis had 18 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists and 1 block while Mickael Pietrus came off the bench with 17 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals. Dwight Howard knocked down 16 points, grabbed 22 boards, 3 assists, 3 blocks and 1 steal while Hedo Turkoglu added 15 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal. J.J. Reddick scored 12 points, 1 assist, 1 block and 1 rebound.

Paul Pierce led all players as he had 23 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals while Rajon Rondo recorded a double-double with 14 points, grabbed 10 boards, 8 assists and 3 steals. Glen Davis scored 12 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block and 1 steal while Brian Scalabrine added 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Boston will attempt to get their first win of the series Wednesday night.

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