Boston: The Boston Celtics overcame a 27-point deficit with a remarkable second-half rally to stun the Orlando Magic 91-83 at the Amway Centre on Thursday, inflicting a second defeat on the hosts in less than a week.
The win was the third straight for the depleted Celtics (8-9), who were without starting guards Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen and centre Jermaine O'Neal due to injuries. Boston defeated Orlando 87-56 on Monday.
Orlando (12-6) made a slow start and sent Dwight Howard to the bench early after he got into foul trouble but the Magic still found their form and dominated the first half, building a 27-point lead at one stage and a 58-37 advantage at half time.
"It should give us tremendous confidence, especially with guys hurt, key guys hurt," Celtics forward Paul Pierce told reporters.
"We didn't have Jermaine to guard Dwight, we're without our All-Star point guard, our All-Star two-guard. Everything was in the making for us to lay down and get ready for tomorrow, but there's something about this locker room where the light has switched on."
Increased defensive pressure by the Celtics in the second half forced the Magic into nine turnovers and 23 per cent shooting from the field while settling for poor shots.
‘Out of our game'
"We got frustrated with the physical play. We got frustrated with the officials and just got totally out of our game," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said.
"It was tough to watch."
Boston closed the game on a 44-15 run led by Pierce, who scored 19 of his 24 points in the second half. Pierce also had ten assists.
E'Twaun Moore added 16 points for Boston and was 4-for-4 from three point territory.
Howard was held to just 16 points to lead the Magic and had 16 rebounds. Ryan Anderson was second on the Magic is scoring with 12 points, all of them scored in the first quarter.
