Successful teams overcome physical and mental fatigue — something the Orlando Magic failed to do Wednesday night.
Playing on the second night of a back-to-back and their first game at Amway Center following a successful road trip, the Magic were outhustled and outplayed by the Boston Celtics 117-87.
The Magic lacked intensity and sharpness on defense. The Celtics made 52 percent of their shots, and even that figure is misleading. The number would have been higher if Boston had not misfired on a bunch of open 3-point attempts.
Celtics guard Avery Bradley set the tone with his tenacious defense on Magic swingman Evan Fournier, and Bradley added a game-high 23 points, four rebounds and three assists.