Celtics overpower Magic, extend NBA winning streak to five

The Boston Celtics’ hot NBA regular-season campaign continued after they took down the Orlando Magic, 108-97, and stretched their winning streak to five games on Nov. 1, 2026 (Nov. 2 in Manila), at Kia Center in Orlando.

Fresh off a convincing home win over the Chicago Bulls, the Celtics traveled to Orlando with a laser-focused mindset, spoiling the Magic’s quest for their first back-to-back victories of the 2026-27 season.

It was a dogfight in the first quarter as Orlando kept pace with Boston’s offense while putting the Celtics’ frontcourt rotation in foul trouble.

Without Paolo Banchero, who sat out the game due to a right ankle sprain, Anthony Black and Desmond Bane carried much of the offensive load for the Magic, matching Jayson Tatum’s individual brilliance in the first half.

Boston found an opening in the second quarter when the Magic entered a cold stretch, capitalizing on their missed field goals with quick baskets in transition.

However, Orlando rallied in the third quarter, erasing a 15-point deficit and trimming Boston’s lead to just three points entering the final period.

Just when Orlando appeared poised to complete its comeback, Boston responded behind Tatum and Paul George, using an 18-6 run in the fourth quarter to regain control of the game.

Orlando received some much-needed baskets from Franz Wagner, but Tatum delivered in the closing minutes to help the Celtics preserve their advantage.

Tatum sank crucial jumpers down the stretch, while George buried a 3-pointer with 1:32 remaining to extend Boston’s lead to 11 points and put the game out of reach.

Bane tried to spark another comeback, but the Celtics’ disciplined defense prevented Orlando from mounting a late rally.

Tatum was nothing short of spectacular during Boston’s fifth consecutive win, finishing with 32 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two blocks.

George backed up Tatum with an all-around effort of 17 points, eight assists, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks, while Derrick White added 12 points, including two 3-pointers.

The Celtics will look to extend their winning streak to six games when they face Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets in an interconference showdown at Toyota Center.