Magic produce big 3rd quarter to cast spell on in-form Celtics
WASHINGTON: The Orlando Magic parlayed a big third quarter into a 103-95 upset of the Boston Celtics on Sunday, their third win in 20 games coming against the NBA’s Eastern Conference leaders.
Elfrid Payton scored 22 points for the Magic, who had lost their last 14 games in Boston in a skid stretching back to February 2010.
“It feels good to get a win, especially after playing well,” Payton said. “We felt we played well against the Cavaliers and didn’t come out with the victory. So to get the win today feels good.”
Orlando spoiled the return from injury of Boston point guard Kyrie Irving, whose 40 points couldn’t prevent the Celtics from dropping a third straight game for the first time this season.
Irving had missed Thursday’s loss to the Philadelphia 76ers with a nagging shoulder injury.
Jaylen Brown scored 17 points and Marcus Morris finished with 12 to score in double figures for the fourth consecutive game for the Celtics.
“We haven’t played consistently on both ends for a while now,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said.
“I felt like they were shooting layups for the most part tonight.”
Evan Fournier scored 19 points and Aaron Gordon produced a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds for the Magic, who started the day in a three-way tie for the worst record in the league.
Orlando trailed 59-58 at halftime, but out-scored the Celtics 32-12 in the third quarter to take a 90-71 lead into the final frame.
Elsewhere, Victor Oladipo delivered 19 points as the Indiana Pacers ended the San Antonio Spurs 14-game winning streak at home with a 94-86 victory.
Darren Collison tallied 15 points for the Pacers, who halted a three-game losing streak in San Antonio.
The Spurs lost at home for the third time this season and the first since November 10 against Milwaukee.
The Pacers became the first Eastern Conference team in three years to sweep a season series from the Spurs.
Pau Gasol had 14 points to lead the Spurs. In Los Angeles, Jordan Clarkson had 29 points and 10 assists and Julius Randle added 27 points as the Lakers beat the New York Knicks 127-107.