Celtics Drop Their First Game of the Season
November 19, 2007
The Boston Celtics are also mortals after all. The Orlando Magic handed the Celtics their first loss of the season after beating them 104-102.
The Magic led by as much as 20 points, but the Celtics chipped away the lead in the second half eventually getting their first lead 88-87 halfway through the final period. The Celtics missed crucial baskets late in the final period and Jameer Nelson who finished with 18 points, made two free throws to put the Magic ahead 101-97 with under two minutes to play. Rashard Lewis appeared to have put the nail in the coffin by hitting two free throws but Ray Allen made a big trey with 7.7 seconds left in the game. Paul Pierce had the chance to tie the game, but missed an off-balance jumper that could have forced an extra period.
Dwight Howard led the Magic with 24 points but failed to make a double-double finish after he grabbed only 6 rebounds. Lewis finished with 22 points on 6-11 shooting and Hedo Turkoglu contributed 16 points for the Magic.
Pierce led the Celtics with his 28 points but Allen struggled in the game and shot 7-17 from the floor finishing with only 19 points. Kevin Garnett had another double-double night with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Rajon Rondo added 18 points for the Celtics on 8-9 shooting.
Orlando Magic improve to 9-2 in the Southeast while Boston Celtics still leads in the Atlantic with an 8-1 record.
Other Results
Golden State Warriors 106 *
Toronto Raptors 100
Detroit Pistons 95
Sacramento Kings 105 *
Chicago Bulls 78
L.A. Lakers 106 *
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