Free throws and a fourth-quarter response carry Boston in Orlando
Jayson Tatum scored 32 points as the Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 108–97 at Kia Center on November 1 in the United States, November 2 in the Philippines. Boston extended its winning streak to five games and improved to 5–1, while Orlando fell to 2–4.
Tatum made 15 of 17 free throws, matching Orlando’s entire team total for successful foul shots. He also recorded seven assists and four rebounds. Paul George added 17 points, eight assists and six rebounds, sharing the responsibility for creating Boston’s scoring opportunities.
The Celtics took a 55–50 halftime lead and scored the opening nine points of the third quarter. Orlando answered and tied the game at 72 late in the period. Boston entered the fourth ahead 77–74, leaving the result open despite its earlier advantage.
After another tie at 79, Boston responded with an 18–6 run. That stretch restored a double-digit cushion and gave the visitors enough room to withstand another Orlando attempt to close the gap.
Anthony Black and Tristan da Silva scored 23 points apiece for the Magic, with da Silva also collecting 10 rebounds. Desmond Bane added 19 points. Boston’s bench received 12 from Luka Garza and 10 from Baylor Scheierman.
Boston won despite shooting 12-for-44 from three-point range. Its 22 made free throws, compared with Orlando’s 15, provided another route to scoring when outside attempts were not falling. The performance illustrated the value of Tatum’s foul-line production and the Celtics’ ability to rebuild a lead after the Magic had erased it.