It was fitting, in a sense, that no one gave the Celtics a chance entering Sunday’s regular-season finale.
That’s how it was as soon as Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles. That’s how it was to start the season. That’s how it was after their 8-8 start. But each time, the Celtics simply shrugged their shoulders, ignored the critics and kept on hooping.
When they trotted out a starting five of Ron Harper Jr., Max Shulga, Baylor Scheierman, Jordan Walsh and Luka Garza, some naively assumed the Magic would cruise to a stress-free victory. But those who have watched this team exceed expectations all season had a hunch that it would be anything from a cakewalk for Orlando.
The Celtics showed promise early, fell behind at halftime, surged ahead with a marvelous third quarter, then withstood a late Magic run to earn a 113-108 victory that encapsulated what has made this regular season so remarkable.
Here are 10 takeaways:
1) Look at Luka
Let’s start with the end. Garza hit arguably the most preposterous shot of the season, drilling a gutsy go-ahead 3 with a hand in his face and 31.7 seconds remaining.
With 21 seconds on the shot clock, Garza didn’t have to shoot it. Given the two-for-one opportunity, and the fact that he was feeling it, he decided to let it fly. The shot was a no-doubter, as it descended through the net with ease and vaulted the Celtics ahead.
Garza finished with 27 points and 12 boards in perhaps the best game of his career to this point. Against a team with limitless size, Garza helped the Celtics hold their own on the boards.
2) Baylor buckets
Scheierman was also electric, racking up 30 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists in a true masterpiece of a performance. Surprisingly, he never even scored 30 in college, so this one gets two major thumbs-up.
It’s a great reminder that NBA players are more than capable of producing at a high level when given a total green light and ample playing time. But not everyone can do it like Scheierman, who hit some wild contested 3’s and also found his teammates for easy 2’s.
He’s gained confidence throughout the season, and this could take it to another level in the postseason.
3) Even sharper Harper
Harper Jr. has been a pleasant surprise this season, and he, too, turned in his best game yet Sunday night. He set the tone early and gave the Celtics even more belief that they could really win it.
He isn’t good for a young guy, good for a reserve or good for an undrafted player. He’s just straight up good and should be in the rotation for years to come.
4) Free money
The Celtics went 17 of 17 from the free-throw line in the first half to stay within striking distance, down 61-52. It was their most makes in a first half since 2023, and they finished 22 of 22 for the game.
Don’t sleep on Walsh’s free throws in the final seconds to seal it. That’s a pressure-packed moment for a player who used to be very in his own head and is no only somewhat in his own head. Walsh looked calm and knocked them down with ease.
5) Battle of the boards
It would have been easy for the Celtics to lose this game because they lost the rebounding battle. While they ultimately did lose it, 50-46, a four-board differential is a win for Boston in this case.
Orlando’s size is its best asset, and the Celtics didn’t let the Magic bully or intimidate them. Garza was a catalyst in that realm, as usual, but Walsh, Scheierman and Harper Jr. also contributed.
6) Delightful Dalano
Remember Banton? Well, he’s back, and he’s the same long, rangy athlete who made his mark in Boston before. Banton is a fun player because he naturally pushes the pace just because of how he’s built and wired.
He doesn’t corral the rebound, think about what he’s having for dinner, glance up at the Jumbotron and go. He just gets it and goes. That sort of pace is contagious, and for a team that ranks last in pace (it’s a good thing; don’t get me wrong), this was a refreshing change of pace, so to speak.
He also had four blocks and remains a crazy leaper.
7) Whaddaya say, Tonje?
John Tonje also made his presence felt with 13 points and four rebounds in 30 minutes. Tonje had some impressive hustle plays, has a nose for the ball and is a capable shooter and playmaker.
He won’t crack the playoff rotation, but this was a promising audition to boost his long-term chances of remaining on the roster.
8) No Magic 3-ball
The Magic are a good basketball team, but in order to take the next step, they need to address their 3-point shooting. Desmond Bane helps, and Jalen Suggs was a bright spot Sunday, but they shot 28 percent as a team from distance on the night.
Whenever the Celtics and Magic play, regardless of who’s on the floor, the gap in shooting is obvious. The Celtics did the right thing by daring Orlando players not named Suggs or Bane to shoot. The Magic can wear you down with their physicality and toughness, but the Celtics can match that physicality and toughness and also burn you from deep.
9) Planting the seed
With the loss, the Magic fell to No. 8 in the East and could very well see the Celtics again in the first round. All they have to do is beat the 76ers, but even without Joel Embiid, that’s no easy task.
Professional athletes have a knack for putting their shortcomings behind them, but the Magic may second-guess themselves heading into a potential rematch. If they can’t beat the Scheierman-Harper Jr.-Garza Celtics (no disrespect to three Boston icons), how can they beat the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown-Derrick White and more Celtics? Time will tell, but it’s advantage Boston until further notice.
10) Legendary run
Jim Edmonds, the Director of Celtics Basketball for 45 years, is retiring.
NBC Sports Boston honored Edmonds – a TV professional for 67 years who chronicled five NBA championships and won 16 Emmy Awards – throughout Sunday’s broadcast. Edmonds downplayed his role and tried to deflect the attention, even while Drew Carter and Brian Scalabrine sung his praises.
“I try to put them in a position to succeed,” Edmonds said.
He’s done exactly that for almost half a century, shining as behind-the-scenes glue for a powerhouse crew.
Mike Gorman even returned to the Garden to give Edmonds a proper farewell.
“I enjoyed every second of the 45 years I worked with Jim,” Gorman said.
