Boston Celtics collapse against physical, under-manned Orlando Magic
The Boston Celtics had what felt like a nice, comfortable, 15-point halftime lead, but their third-quarter collapse against a very physical Magic defense set the stage for a disappointing loss.
John Karalis of Boston Sports Journal breaks down the Celtics’ game against the Magic, focusing on the physicality that defined the matchup and the strategic decisions that shaped the outcome. Key moments include the Celtics’ third-quarter collapse and Al Horford’s controversial final shot attempt.
Don’t miss this insightful analysis of the Celtics’ journey and what lies ahead. Tune in for expert commentary and a deep dive into the team’s evolving strategy.
2:30 Game recap
5:07 Physicality and Officiating
11:17 Third Quarter Collapse
17:28 Orlando’s Determination
24:00 Al Horford’s last shot
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Locked On Celtics is a daily Boston Celtics podcast by Boston Sports Journal beat writer John Karalis. It’s an inside look at the C’s from a former professional basketball player who is at practices & games.
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28 Comments
I think the missing JT n this loss just shows how much his playmaking really do affect how the Cs play
That was an absolute melt down. Oh well kick the crap out of the 76’s Christmas Day!!!!
They went 2 for 1 which is the some dumb crap under almost all circumstances because it leads to forced shots, and 3 point shots are lower percentage than 2 point shots. Appreciate the explanation John, but you're just wrong. The best play is to just look for the highest percentage shot regardless of the clock then play defense.
They got beat by a G league team because they didn't care enough to play hard the whole game. Does it matter? Maybe, maybe not.
Merry Christmas John.
Mazzula needs to get smelling salts!! They are playing like the WALKING Dead! C'mon C's. WAKE UP!!!! 🍀
Hey John if you could wear your ugliest, and I mean UGLIEST Christmas sweater next pod, I think everyone here would appreciate it
Incredible effort by the Magic. Have a great holiday everyone!
This has been the recipe to beat the Celtics for years. Eric Spoelstea laid out the blueprint years ago. Just foul them all game long. The refs let a lot go in this, but even in a game where they’re being a bit tighter will work. NBA refs are not going to call 9 fouls a quarter on a team. They simply won’t. They are there to oversee a product, and no one wants to watch more than 33% of a team’s defensive possessions result in a foul call(or to see half the team foul out.) Fouling, and extreme physicality in general, messes with the Celtics. They play movement basketball, taking a group of many highly skilled players and using movement to multiply their ability. If you just foul constantly, it gums that up and can stagnate the team. It also tends to frustrate them. Once you do that, all you need is a little luck, like the Magic’s 4th quarter 3 point shooting, and you can steal the win.
I trust #AlHorford & EVERY other Celtic to take that last shot🍀🍀
Isn't something to overreact to. Orlando is literally playing every game like it's the playoffs. Gotta hold it down until their stars return. Celtics players and fans all know they're going to be in the playoffs. With Orlando's injuries, they're not so fortunate., they have to scrap hard and lock in for their wins now. Boston wins this with Tatum, and he's only out because of a flu or sickness w/e.
☘️☘️👊
We shouldn't have loss but to me that shows Big Duece is our mvp.. kornet butter fingers.. Me personally, I never wanna see Sam play 15+ min with no shots. 😢😅
Every year I’m reminded there are fans that think the team should go 82-0
JB was getting hammer, and it was marginal contact( what ever that mean). Its when the calls or noncalls. John the Celtics been getting beat up since the they allow the Warriors to beat them up. This is the model teams are using. So Joe its up to make adjustment. Here's a ideal put your young studs Walsh,JD even Tillman out there. Please take the handcuff off Walsh, u can see he worry about not making mistakes than actually playing the game. Thats u in his head about technical part of the game. This guy is a freak that u wasting.
Zingis just miss a ton of shots. Then 3 main ball handlers had 5 turnovers. It want just own the ball handlers, the others not running to the open spots. Why u think Hauser didn't get a shot. Not moving!!!
I won't overreact to the December game before Xmas, so we will bounce back. The real game starts in the spring.
For those drama queen, Celtics fans out there NBA playoffs don’t start in December
It's not about the refs and then you talk about the refs…..after saying it's not about the refs???? You have to cut the BS.
RefBA, see how this is working out in ratings?
I am a 40 year fan and am considering not watching any more NBA until the playoffs. It's just too annoying!! F you Silver!!
Karalis should be an attorney the way he defends the Celtics’ blunders 🫤 lol
My mom also says I'm cool.
This now makes 3 games in a row with some "interesting" officiating to say the least. I don't like it, but we must adjust somehow.
C’s have nothing to prove and I don’t expect them to play like they are in the playoffs every game..I have to admit though it can be hard to watch because we know their potential.
Jaylen Brown can’t make others better sadly
Don’t feel bad a lot of teams collapse in Orlando #playthesong
As a heat fan, the Magic got that gritty culture for real
Boston exposed!! 😂
The crazy 4 out our 5 starters on Magic is bench players. Imagine when the starters come back and bench has this experience and coming off the bench matched up against other teams bench players
This Orlando team with both their stars is gonna be scary
Was the cup half empty or half full? Did The Celtics lose the game or did The Magic win with pure Heart and Muscle. 2 years now of losing to The Magic and so respect. Starting to look like 🤡s!