Orlando Magic's Cole Anthony (50) goes up against Boston Celtics' Jordan Walsh, left, and Payton Pritchard, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Boston.
Jayson Tatum scored 30 points as the Boston Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 121-94 on Friday night. Tatum, a former star at Duke, impressed in front of freshman standout Cooper Flagg and his Duke teammates, who were watching from the stands. He went 12 of 21 from the field, helping the Celtics break out of a recent shooting slump. The Celtics shot a season-best 61% in the first half and held a 12-point lead at halftime. Overall, Boston finished the game shooting 53%, including 46% from three-point range, and they led by as many as 27 points in the second half. Kristaps Porzingis contributed 23 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while Jaylen Brown added 20 points. For the Magic, Cole Anthony led with 23 points, and Paolo Banchero scored 21. Orlando started the third quarter strong, narrowing the gap to 66-59 with the first five points. However, Boston quickly responded with an 8-0 run and outscored the Magic 30-22 in the period to regain control.
Orlando Magic's Cole Anthony (50) goes up against Boston Celtics' Jordan Walsh, left, and Payton Pritchard, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Boston.
Orlando Magic's Cole Anthony (50) is defended by Boston Celtics' Jordan Walsh (27) and Payton Pritchard (11) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Boston.
Orlando Magic's Trevelin Queen dunks against the Boston Celtics during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Boston.
Boston Celtics' Kristaps Porzingis (8) shoots over Orlando Magic's Cole Anthony (50) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against Boston Celtics in Boston.
Orlando Magic's Trevelin Queen (12) disputes a foul called on him as Cole Anthony (50) keeps him away from the referee during the first half of an NBA basketball game against Boston Celtics in Boston.
Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown (7) chases a loose ball after making a steal on Orlando Magic's Cole Anthony during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Boston.
Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown (7) steals the ball from Orlando Magic's Cole Anthony (50) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Boston.
Boston Celtics' Derrick White (9) goes up for a lay-up during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic in Boston.
Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum, left, is fouled by Orlando Magic's Anthony Black, right, while driving to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Boston.