Celtics Cruise Past Magic; Win Fifth Straight

2/7/22 by Cam Manning

The Celtics, backed by a 24-point performance from backup point guard Dennis Schröder, held the Magic to just 83 points in a blowout win on Sunday night.

Photo Courtesy of MGN

The game did not start off pretty for the Celtics, going a dreadful 1-14 from three in the early going. The Magic hung around until the Celtics outscored them 38-22 in the fourth quarter to put the game to bed. 

Jaylen Brown led the way with 26 points for the Celtics and was one of six Celtics to hit double figures in the win. Jalen Suggs led the Magic with 17 points in the loss.

With the win, the Celtics have won five straight games, seven of their last eight, and twelve of their last sixteen. They have also moved into a tie with the Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors for 6th place in the Eastern Conference. 

The shooting for the Celtics was not good, but the defense continued to shine in the win. Boston put on a defensive clinic, holding the Magic to just 35% from the field and just 19% from three point range. They also forced the Magic to turn the ball over 17 times. If it weren’t for the Celtics shooting woes, this game would not have been as close as it was for the first three quarters. . 

In the first 20 games of 2022, the Celtics defense is first in net rating, defensive rating, opponent eFG%,  while having a 13-6 record. “It’s suffocating at times with our size and versatility. We’ve got big wings, versatile bigs, and a pit bull of a point guard. So there’s no real weakness out there.” Celtics’ coach Ime Udoka said. 

Dennis Schröder showed his value in this game, producing 24 points on a very efficient 53 percent shooting. He also snagged four rebounds and dished out two assists in 20 minutes of action. 

The Celtics will look to extend their win streak to six next game as they clash with the Brooklyn Nets, who have lost eight straight games.