Despite key absences, Jett Howard erupted for a career-high 30 points. The Magic battled, but a dominant Celtics stretch proved insurmountable.
The Orlando Magic’s winning streak collapsed under brutal circumstances, with multiple starters ruled out before tipoff and a late comeback falling short in a 138–129 loss to the Boston Celtics. The fourth-quarter push had real spark, but the hole they dug without key pieces proved too deep to climb out of.
Due to the absence of Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr., the Magic needed major production from their bench, and Jett Howard delivered in a way no one saw coming. Howard exploded for a season-high 30 points and added seven rebounds, transforming a fight for minutes into the best performance of his young career. It was the kind of breakthrough showing that turns heads and earns trust.
“It just says you’re constantly ready,” coach Jamahl Mosley said post game.”You stay ready, get yourself in the game, and when you get in you know what you’re capable of doing. Those guys were supporting him – he’s trying to make the right play, attack the basket. They had their guys out there the entire time, and our guys did a heck of a job competing and fighting to the end.”
“I been knew I could do this,” Howard said about his performance. “I just feel like now y’all can see it. Doesn’t really change my confidence – just staying ready no matter the situation. Whether it’s 5 minutes, 10 minutes, whatever, as long as I can rise to the occasion that’s good.”
Despite winning the battle on the glass and finishing with more assists, the Magic couldn’t withstand a dominant second quarter from the Celtics, fueled by Jaylen Brown’s 35-point night. Boston outscored Orlando 48–30 in that frame, creating separation the Magic never fully erased. Even with the injuries and the obvious fatigue running through the rotation, coach Jamahl Mosley said he was encouraged by the effort he saw.
“There were moments of it, but we’ve got a job to do,” Mosley added. “We’re not going to make excuses for whatever happens on that court. We’ve got to make sure we continue to stay ready and those guys at the end of the game did a tremendous job battling, fighting, and showing exactly what we’re capable of doing.”
Now sitting at 10–8 on the season, the Magic travel to Philadelphia to face the 76ers on Nov. 25 at 8 p.m.
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