For the second time in four nights, the Orlando Magic fell to the Boston Celtics, who shot 60 percent from the floor in rolling to a 120-105 victory.
In one respect, the Magic's third loss in a row bore little resemblance to their 91-89 setback Friday night in Orlando. The Celtics made only 35.8 percent of their shots in that game but harassed the Magic into 20 turnovers. This time around, they had 87 points going into the fourth quarter and reached the 100-point mark with more than seven minutes remaining.
While the Magic didn't shoot poorly themselves, their continuing problems in transition defense were exposed by the Celtics, who have now won four in a row after an 0-4 start. The 120 points were the most they've had under first-year coach Brad Stevens.
Center Nikola Vucevic had another double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Magic. But veteran point guard Jameer Nelson did not play after being taken out with 5:38 to go in the third quarter as coach Jacque Vaughn went with rookie Victor Oladipo and E'Twaun Moore off the bench in an attempt to keep things close.
The Magic have not defeated the Celtics since Christmas Day 2010, a streak of losses that has now reached 10.
The Magic trailed 65-62 in the third quarter before the Celtics outscored them 19-8 over the next six minutes. The run included a 3-point field goal by rookie Kelly Olynyk, who was making his second start in a row at center.
Point guard Avery Bradley, starting while Rajon Rondo continues to rehabilitate his right knee, had 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting and also recorded three steals. Oddly enough, he accounted for none of the Celtics' 28 assists.
Oladipo had 10 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter for the Magic and finished just one point behind Arron Afflalo for team-high scoring honors.
Wednesday night vs. Milwaukee, 7 p.m. (FOX Sports Florida).
