Bradley, Celtics Roll To 117-87 Victory Over Magic
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Avery Bradley scored 23 points, Jae Crowder had 15 points and 10 rebounds and the Boston Celtics routed the Orlando Magic 117-87 on Wednesday night.
The Celtics shot 51.2 percent from the field and had seven players score in double figures, bouncing back nicely from a disappointing 107-106 loss at Houston on Monday night. Terry Rozier scored 16 points, and Amir Johnson, Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart finished with 13 apiece.
It was an impressive offensive performance while playing without point guard Isaiah Thomas, who was held out after he suffered a groin injury against the Rockets. Boston trailed by one at the break, but grabbed control with a big third quarter and pulled away in the final period.
Orlando, which was coming off a 4-1 road trip, shot 37 percent from the field. D.J. Augustin scored 15 points, and Evan Fournier had 14.
The Magic came out cold in the third quarter and the Celtics took advantage. Bradley made a 3-pointer and Crowder connected on a jumper to help Boston open a 67-54 lead with 6:22 left.
Boston, which led by as many as 18 in the third quarter, converted three 3-pointers coming out of halftime after knocking down just two treys in the first half.
TIP-INS
Celtics: Smart replaced Thomas in the starting lineup. ... Bradley had three of Boston's seven 3-pointers. The Celtics went 7 for 27 from long range.
Magic: Since returning to the bench, Jeff Green's production has improved immensely. The veteran small forward averaged 14 points in the team's recent road trip.
UP NEXT
Celtics: Host Toronto on Friday night.
Magic: Visit Charlotte on Friday night.