Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, right, dunks against Orlando Magic’s Cole Anthony (50) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
BOSTON – Jayson Tatum scored 30 points and the Boston Celtics beat the Orlando Magic 121-94 on Friday night in the NBA.
With freshman star Cooper Flagg and his Duke teammates watching from the stands, Tatum, a former Blue Devils standout, was 12 of 21 from the field to help Boston snap out of a recent shooting slump. No. 3 Duke plays at Boston School on Saturday.
Article continues after this announcement.
Boston shot a season-best 61% in the first half and took a 12-point lead into halftime. The Celtics shot 53% that night, including 46% from 3-point range, and led by 27 in the second half. Kristaps Porzingis finished with 23 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Jaylen Brown added 20.
READ: NBA: RJ Barrett guides Raptors to victory over Celtics
Jayson Tatum walks @celtas On to the big home win over Orlando!
30 points | 6 REB | 4 AST | 57.1% FG pic.twitter.com/0npZxb6mG7
-NBA (@NBA) January 18, 2025
Cole Anthony led Orlando with 23 points and Paolo Banchero scored 21.
Article continues after this announcement.
Takeaway meals
Magic: Banchero was inadvertently punched in the face by Porzingis on a block attempt. Banchero briefly remained on the ground and was treated by trainers, but was able to remain in the game.
Article continues after this announcement.
Celtics: They started fast and dictated the flow of the offense throughout, something they struggled to do consistently while losing seven of their previous 14 games.
Article continues after this announcement.
READ: NBA: Jayson Tatum and Celtics keep the Nuggets at bay
Key moment
Orlando scored the first five points of the third quarter to lead 66-59. Boston responded with an 8-0 run and outscored the Magic 30-22 in the period to take control.
Key Statistics
The Celtics started shooting an NBA-worst 28% from 3-point range in their previous five games. They found their range against the Magic, going 9 of 15 from beyond the arc in the first half and 17 of 37 during the game.
Next
The Magic host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. The Celtics host the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
