Celtics 109 - Magic 92: C's Win Two-in-a-Row

Photo: Getty Images

Boston - The Celtics were a trending topic early on Wednesday before they took the court at the TD Garden. No, not because they snapped their three game skid on Monday night, but because trade rumors have begun to swirl once again. Rajon Rondo, a familiar topic as usual, decided to ignore the headlines and play basketball as he led his team to a 109-92 win over the Magic.


The C's captain finished his night three rebounds shy of his fourth triple-double of the young season, recording 13 points, 15 assists and seven boards. Brandon Bass scored a team high 18 points off the bench, while Jeff Green and Jared Sullinger each chipped in with 16. Kelly Olynyk also continued his hot play as of late, adding 15 points as six players ended up in double-figures for Boston, who are now 9-14.

Nicola Vucevic led Orlando (10-18) with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Tobias Harris scored 17 and Channing Fry added 13 points for the Magic, who have lost four of their last five games.

"I think overall you give credit to Rondo for his ability to orchestrate things," Orlando coach Jacque Vaughn said. "They made shots early. I think Sullinger got off a little bit for them. That kind of set the tone."

Boston fell behind by 10 early in the second quarter, before they forced multiple Orlando turnovers, and hit five three-pointers in a four-minute span, to go ahead 56-53 by halftime. The Celtics opened up a 14-6 run midway through the third for a five point lead heading into the final frame. After a ferocious dunk by Olynyk with about five minutes left, the Magic cut the deficit to single digits.

Photo: Getty Images

The C's quickly went on a 6-0 spurt to go up 103-88 with 4:11 to play, Orlando would only score four more points the rest of the way. The Celtics continued their hot shooting, going 13-19 for the quarter, and winning their first comback game of the season after being down at least 10.

"I thought we played well after the middle of the second quarter on," said coach Brad Stevens. "I was excited how we got better and better."

Despite reports of Danny Ainge being opened to hearing any trade offers for players such as Rondo, Green or even Bass, the Celtics played one of the best games of the year so far from start to finish. The bench game through once again for Stevens as they were responsible for 50 of the C's 109 total points.

The Celtics will look to extend their win streak to three-games for the second time this season, when they take on the number one draft pick Andrew Wiggins and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. Tip-off is at 7:30 from the TD Garden.

Game Notes:

Boston shot 55-percent form the field (37-percent from 3) while the Magic only shot 44-percent. Marcus Smart (achillies) missed his second straight game, after he didn't practice much on Tuesday. It is still unknown when the rookie guard will return. The Celtics only had 11-dressed players due to injuries of Marcus Thornton (calf), and James Young (shoulder)


Joel Pavón