The Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 114-97 at home on Sunday afternoon, extending their home winning streak to 14 games and moving their overall record to 22-4. Although the Celtics won, the Orlando Magic’s young star Paul Banchero stole the show.
Banchero scored a game-high 36 points, adding 10 rebounds, one assist and two steals. He showed off his offensive arsenal throughout the game, finding opportunities to score against the Celtics‘ stout defense. His impressive performance even drew praise from opposing players, with Jayson Tatum recognizing Banchero’s talent despite scoring 23 points himself.
Despite Banchero’s performance, the Celtics have maintained their impressive form with their balanced scoring ability and their familiar defensive prowess. Their 14-0 home record ties the second-best start in team history, behind only the legendary 1986 team that lost just one home game all season.
While Boston currently has bragging rights, the Magic are quietly showing signs of improvement. Despite starter Wendell Carter Jr. missing time due to injury, they are currently 16-9 thanks to Banchero’s breakout season and contributions from other young players.
This matchup is more than just an athletic game, it’s a snapshot of the future of the NBA. Tatum and Banchero, both former Duke players, represent a new generation of stars that are already making a name for themselves in the league. With both teams on an upward trajectory, we can expect more exciting matchups between these two rivals in the coming years.