Jayson Tatum scores 30 as Celtics break out of shooting slump in 121-94 win over Magic

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Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, right, dunks against Orlando Magic’s Cole Anthony (50) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

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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, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

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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, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

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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, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

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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, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

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Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, right, is fouled on a dunk against Orlando Magic’s Cole Anthony (50) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

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Orlando Magic’s Trevelin Queen, second from left, battles Boston Celtics’ Luke Kornet, right, for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

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Orlando Magic’s Tristan da Silva (23) battles for thee ball with Boston Celtics’ Jrue Holiday (4) and Jaylen Brown (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

By KYLE HIGHTOWER

BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 30 points and the Boston Celtics ran past the Orlando Magic 121-94 on Friday night.

With freshman star Cooper Flagg and his Duke teammates looking on from the stands, Tatum, a former Blue Devils standout, went 12 of 21 from the floor to help Boston break out of a recent shooting slump. No. 3 Duke plays at Boston College on Saturday.

Boston shot a season-best 61% in the first half and took a 12-point lead into halftime. The Celtics shot 53% on the night, including 46% from 3-point range, and led by 27 in the second half. Kristaps Porzingis finished with 23 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Jaylen Brown added 20.

Cole Anthony led Orlando with 23 points, and Paolo Banchero scored 21.

Takeaways

Magic: Banchero was inadvertently hit in the face by Porzingis on a block attempt. Banchero briefly stayed down and was attended to by trainers, but was able to remain in the game.

Celtics: Started fast and dictated the flow on offense throughout, something they struggled to do consistently while losing seven of their previous 14 games.

Key moment

Orlando scored the first five points of the third quarter to get within 66-59. Boston responded with an 8-0 run and outscored the Magic 30-22 in the period to take control.

Key stat

The Celtics entered shooting an NBA-worst 28% from the 3-point line in their previous five games. They found their range against the Magic, going 9 of 15 from beyond the arc in the first half and 17 of 37 for the game.

Up next

The Magic host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. The Celtics host the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba