ORLANDO — Kevin Garnett had a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds as the Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic in overtime 116-110, Sunday night at the Amway Center.
Garnett lead the Celtics (8-6) down the stretch in overtime executing play after play.
“The execution was terrific,” said Celtics head coach Doc Rivers. “We came out and got the dunk for Kevin and got the great shot for him as well. I thought our execution won the game for us and it should honestly. We’re a veteran team, and some of us have been together. We made good plays.”
After trailing in the first half to Boston’s 58 points, the Magic (5-8) out scored the Celtics 34-22 in the third quarter to gain the lead and snatch the momentum.
The comeback lead to a competitive fourth quarter to then lead into the Magics first overtime game of the season but will eventually end in a loss at the end of the game.
“We got J.J. on a good look that we drew up. We got some good looks down the stretch,” said Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn. “If there was one thing that I wanted maybe to be better was a little bit of a screening at the end, but overall pretty encouraged and happy about our guys effort.”
Held down in overtime to only eight points compared to Boston’s 14, the Magic ran out of their late-game spark and were cut from their two game winning streak.
“We played hard, you give yourself a chance and you fight through the mistakes,” said Magic point guard Jameer Nelson which had 20 points. “Things like turnovers an those mental lapse we had we still continue to at hard and together. We still give ourselves a chance like tonight.”
Rajon Rondo recorded his 37th consecutive game with 10 or more assists having a total of 16 assists tonight while adding 15 points to the victory over Orlando.
For Orlando, J.J. Redick added 21 points having made three shots from the three point line making it two consecutive games scoring double digits for Orlando.
Orlando will remain at home for their next game against the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday Nov. 26.
