Live updates: Celtics travel to Magic looking to stay unbeaten in NBA Cup
The Boston Celtics visited the Orlando Magic on Friday night aiming to maintain a perfect 2-0 record in the 2025 NBA Cup group stage. Despite strong efforts from Jaylen Brown and Anfernee Simons in the second half, the Magic secured a 123-110 win at the Kia Center, handing Boston their first Group B loss.
Game highlights
- Brown led the game with 32 points, scoring 18 in the second half and shooting 15-for-28 from the floor.
- Simons contributed all 11 of his points in the fourth quarter on 4-for-8 shooting.
- Orlando jumped to a 16-point lead midway through the first quarter with a fast offensive start.
- The Magic shot 49% overall and 50% from three-point range (9-for-18) in the first half.
Second half and closing moments
Boston narrowed the gap in the third quarter, fueled by Brown and improved defense. Derrick White briefly put Boston ahead in the fourth quarter — their first lead since early in the game. However, Orlando finished strong, going on a 28-14 run in the last six minutes to secure the victory.
Team records and upcoming games
With this defeat, the Celtics stand at 1-1 in the tournament. They are scheduled to face the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets later this month.
"The Magic made more plays in crunch time and earned a 123-110 victory against the Celtics at Kia Center on Friday."
Author's summary: The Celtics suffered their first NBA Cup loss as the Magic capitalized in key moments, ending Boston's unbeaten run and shifting the tournament dynamics.