The Celtics led by 14 points midway through the third quarter, and then it all fell apart. The Magic soared back with a long, dominant run to tie the game 81-81 entering the fourth quarter. Both teams battled toe-for-toe deep into the final frame, until the Magic busted through with a run to build an 11-point lead with less than two minutes remaining.
Mario Hezonja and Evan Fournier rained threes from all over the court, as the International duo combined for 41 points. It was a career-high for Hezonja, who flashed his go-to scoring potential and knack for clutch moments.
But, despite trailing by around 10 points over the final minutes, the Celtics didn't stop defending and actually made an sensational late run to cut the lead to three points. Brad Stevens never lets up, and neither did his team in the final 90 seconds.
The Celtics played the foul game, and Marcus Smart scored 7-consecutive points as part of his 26 points over the full game, which tied a career-high. it wasn't enough, though, as the Celtics ultimately fell 119-114.
But Smart did continue his hot shooting from behind the arc, hitting five triples. He's now 13-of-27 from behind the arc over the last five games. Though the result is disappointing for the Celtics, Smart's progress bodes well for them going forward.
Kelly Olynyk cooled off shooting the ball, missing all five of his three-point attempts for the first time in his career. Olynyk had a solid overall game, with 9 assists and 3 turnovers, but the Celtics could've used his flamethrower shot.
Aaron Gordon looked like a superstar for Orlando, tallying a double with 19 points, 14 rebounds, with 5 assists and 2 blocks. Gordon is a sensational talent, capable of excelling in multiple roles, and he certainly did that on Sunday for the Magic.
The Celtics will look to get back to their winning ways on Tuesday against the Knicks.