Osceola Magic snap losing skid, smother Maine Celtics 112-89
By Osceola Magic Staff /February 5, 2024
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February 4, 2024 — The Osceola Magic defeated the Maine Celtics 112-89 in Sunday’s matinee matchup at Osceola Heritage Park.
The Magic won the matchup on the defensive end of the floor. Osceola shut down Maine from deep, as the Celtics hit only six of their 44 three-point attempts in the game. Maine made just 31.6% of their shots on the afternoon.
“Shots didn’t fall in the first half, but we defended like crazy,” Osceola Magic Head Coach Dylan Murphy said. “We impacted their shots… I thought our guys did a really good job.”
Forward D.J. Wilson continued to build on his successful season, scoring 30 points and adding 11 rebounds and seven assists in the win.
Wilson was one of five Magic players to score in double digits. Orlando Magic two-way player Kevon Harris added a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Chris Walker dropped 12 points, seven rebounds and four blocks in 15 minutes off the bench.
“Whenever coach calls me to be ready, I’m supposed to be ready,” Walker said. “I just work hard every day… and it all shows on the court. I’m just thankful to be in this position.”
The Magic held the Celtics to just 16 points and only 29.2% shooting in the opening quarter to jump out to a 10-point lead. Osceola extended the lead to as many as 18 in the first half, but Maine cut the deficit to only two at the break after a 34-point outburst in the second quarter.
The Magic defense locked down in the third quarter, again allowing 16 points. Osceola led by nine entering the fourth and built on the lead in the final 12 minutes, outscoring Maine 37-23 in the final period to secure the victory.
“I feel like we did one of our best jobs all year (in the fourth quarter),” Wilson said. “More than anything, we hung our hat on the defensive end… Once we realize how good we are defensively and we get out in transition and get easy buckets, then the game just opens up for us, especially with the team and the personnel that we have.”
The Osceola Magic (8-7), NBA G League Affiliate of the Orlando Magic, will travel to Hoffman Estates, Illinois, to play the Windy City Bulls at Now Arena on Thursday, February 8 at noon. The game will stream on NBAGLeague.com.