The Celtics have a regular season “kryptonite”

Boston, Massachusetts (PSF) - Despite extended time missed by anchor Robert Williams III and a nagging wrist pain to star forward Jayson Tatum, the Celtics have held the top record for over a month. Yet, one team has continuously elevated their game against the league’s best, and they may be the most unexpected culprit.

Monday night, the Orlando Magic defeated the Celtics 113-98, behind 23 points by rookie Paolo Banchero. On the other end, Tatum and co-star Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 26 points each, but in a losing effort. With this loss, the season series between the Magic and Celtics comes to a close, with the Magic winning three of the four.

USA Today

Jonathan Isaac returned from a 904-day hiatus, playing in his first game since August 2, 2020. Isaac scored 10 points on an efficient four of seven from the field in limited minutes.

Thus far, the Magic proved to play their best ball against the Eastern Conference’s top team. Monday night, the team shot over 51 percent from the field and over 40 percent from the three-point line. In their last matchup, December 18 at TD Garden, the Magic knocked down 12 threes, shooting over 41 percent from deep.

The Orlando Magic are, by all standards, not considered a strong three-point shooting team. In fact, not a single player on their roster lies in the top 50 of three-point percentage among qualified players (Terrence Ross is closest at 66th in the NBA). Yet, the Magic consistently elevate their game against the league’s best.

Jaylen Brown spoke after Monday’s loss in Orlando, acknowledging the Magic’s young length and versatility. “They’re an unorthodox team to play against… A lot of bigs, a lot of length, guys who can cover ground and get a lot of deflections. Tough team to play against,” Brown noted.

The Celtics still hold the shortest odds to win the NBA Championship, but their rivals are gaining momentum. The Philadelphia 76ers recently captured the second seed in the East, Warriors’ Stephen Curry recently returned to action following a grisly shoulder injury, and the Denver Nuggets continued to distance themselves from the rest of the West.

If the Celtics want to remain the team to beat heading into the playoffs, games against teams like the Orlando Magic can’t be a battle test.