Banchero scored 36 points but failed to save the team, Celtics scored more points and easily defeated Magic
2025-04-22 02:56
On April 22, the NBA regular season continued, with the Boston Celtics playing at home against the Orlando Magic. Although the Magic's star player Paul Bankero scored 36 points and had an eye-catching performance throughout the game, it was still difficult to save the Celtics, who were stronger overall. In the end, the Celtics defeated the Magic 123-106 and ushered in a winning streak.
At the beginning of the game, the Celtics quickly got into the game. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown worked together to help the home team establish a double-digit lead in the first quarter. Although the Magic's offensive efficiency was extremely high, the other players had a cold touch. At the end of the first quarter, the Celtics led 34-22.
Entering the second quarter, the Celtics' bench lineup continued to perform strongly, with White and Holiday frequently scoring on both offense and defense, and the score difference once widened to more than 20 points. Although Bankero continued to score in the mid-range and at the basket, without the support of his teammates, the Magic were unable to narrow the gap. At the end of the half, the Celtics led 65-46.
In the second half, the Magic tried to adjust their defensive strategy and increased the intensity of the double-team on Tatum and Brown, which temporarily caused the Celtics' offense to stagnate. But at the critical moment, Tatum made consecutive breakthroughs and stabilized the situation again. After three quarters, the score difference was still around 18 points, and the outcome of the game was basically no longer suspenseful.
In the final quarter, the Celtics sent out a substitute lineup to maintain the intensity. Pritchard and Hauser hit three-pointers in succession, completely extinguishing the Magic's hope of a comeback. In the end, the Celtics defeated the Magic 123-106 and won the home game.
In terms of the overall statistics, five Celtics players scored in double figures, Tatum contributed 28 points and 7 rebounds, Brown 22 points and 6 assists, White and Holiday both had efficient performances. As for the Magic, Bankero scored a game-high 36 points plus 9 rebounds and 4 assists, but he was alone and could not stop the team from losing.
With this victory, the Celtics continue to consolidate their top position in the Eastern Conference and show strong playoff momentum. The Magic, on the other hand, exposed the problem of insufficient lineup depth and reliance on a single core offense, and their hopes for the playoffs are still full of challenges.
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