Pro Sports

Bradley, Celtics roll to 117-87 victory over Magic

Posted December 07, 2016 6:00 am

By TERRANCE HARRIS

Boston Celtics' Avery Bradley, left, goes to the basket past Orlando Magic's Jeff Green (34) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. Boston won 117-87. (AP Photo/John Raoux) The Associated Press

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.

Boston Celtics' Kelly Olynyk (41) makes an uncontested dunk off against the Orlando Magic during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. Boston won 117-87. (AP Photo/John Raoux) The Associated Press

Boston Celtics' Avery Bradley, left, goes past Orlando Magic's Jodie Meeks on a drive to the basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. Boston won 117-87. (AP Photo/John Raoux) The Associated Press

Orlando Magic's Aaron Gordon (00) gets his shot fouled by Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) The Associated Press

Orlando Magic's Jeff Green (34) looks for a shot against Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Basketball Content Providers NBA Pro Sports Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.