Jameer Nelson hit two huge three-pointers in the final three minutes and J.J. Redick added a pivotal pull-up jumper with 43 seconds left, and the Orlando Magic knocked off the Boston Celtics, 86-78. The loss snaps Boston's 14-game winning streak.
- The Magic scored 29 points in the fourth quarter on 9-14 shooting, after shooting just 33.3 percent through the first three quarters.
- The game stayed close throughout the fourth quarter, with Boston's lead hanging around four to six points before the Magic finally pushed through and assumed control.
- Kevin Garnett scored nine of his 22 points in the fourth quarter, and hit three straight jump shots in the final five and a half minutes to keep Boston's lead at six points each time.
- The pace in the opening minutes was somewhat frenetic, and Orlando jumped out of the gate on a 13-0 run. Fortunately, when things calmed down, the Celtics responded with a 15-0 run of their own, with Paul Pierce scoring eight of the 15 points.
- The C's, trailing 32-29 in the second quarter, then went on a 13-0 run to assume a 42-32 edge. They took a 46-36 lead into halftime. The Celtics were shooting 38.6 percent from the field at halftime, while Orlando was shooting just 31.6 percent.
- Pierce scored 18 points, and played a major role in Boston gaining it's double digit lead early on. Unfortunately, he was held scoreless in the fourth quarter.
- Shaquille O'Neal was largely ineffective due to foul trouble. He picked up his fifth foul with 8:57 left in the third quarter, and fouled out with 9:20 to play in the fourth.
- Speaking of being ineffective, Nate Robinson shot just 2-15 from the floor. It wasn't pretty.
- I appreciated Marquis Daniels' effort on the glass today. The reserve forward grabbed five boards and also kept a number of balls alive.
- Jermaine O'Neal made his return to day, but was largely ineffective. He struggled mightily on the offensive end, and wasn't much better on defense. I suppose we can give him a pass given the amount of time he's missed. If you're looking for a silver lining, he was moving very well.