Projo Sports Blog

BOSTON -- The Celtics are in for a fight.

Orlando has shown no signs of Game Seven intimidation, and the Magic are up, 45-38 at halftime.

Orlando controlled the entire first half, leading for all but two minutes. They led by as much as 14 after Boston committed five turnovers in the opening five minutes of the second quarter. Rashard Lewis gave the Magic their biggest lead of the game, 37-23, with two free throws with 6:54 remaining in the second quarter.

Six straight points by Ray Allen slashed Orlando's advantage to 39-33 and the Magic called a timeout with 3:15 left to stop Boston's momentum.

It worked. Mickael Pietrus made a 3-pointer to increase Orlando's lead to 42-33, but Dwight Howard picked up his third foul on Boston's ensuing possession. With Howard out of the game, the Celtics were able to make a run.

Two Kendrick Perkins free throws, followed by an Allen 3-pointer cut Orlando's lead to 42-38, but a Rafer Alston 3-pointer pushed Orlando's lead back up to 45-38.

Allen leads the Celtics with 13 points and 3 rebounds. Paul Pierce has 8 points and Kendrick Perkins has 6 points and 6 rebounds, but Rajon Rondo (2 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds) is struggling so far.

Hedo Turkoglu and Alston lead Orlando with 10 points each. Rashard Lewis has 9 points and Howard has 8 points and 8 rebounds.

The Magic have connected on 47.2 percent of their shots while limiting the Celtics to 39.4 percent shooting. Both teams have 11 turnovers and each team has 16 rebounds.

The Celtics have been able to keep the game within arms-reach by connecting on 11-of-11 free throws.

 Tags  Boston Celtics Orlando Magic

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