Despite missing key players, the shorthanded Celtics extended their winning streak to four games with a dominant 128-111 victory over the Magic at TD Garden on Friday night. The Celtics were without Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Kristaps Porzingis, leaving them undersized against a Magic team with ample size. Joe Mazzulla chose to start Lamar Stevens at center, and the Celtics intensified their defensive pressure, forcing 20 turnovers from the Magic.

Jayson Tatum led the balanced scoring attack for the Celtics, finishing with 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Payton Pritchard had an impressive performance off the bench, tying his season-high with 21 points, and Derrick White and Jaylen Brown contributed efficiently with 19 and 18 points, respectively.

Jalen Suggs led the scoring for Orlando with 19 points. The Celtics maintained their perfect home record, improving to 13-0 at TD Garden. They are set to face the Magic again in a rematch on Sunday afternoon with a potentially healthier roster.

Here are four takeaways from the Celtics’ convincing win:

1. Celtics All-Stars Dominate: 

Despite missing key big men, Boston’s stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, took control of the game. The duo combined for 32 first-half points, displaying their prowess against the Magic’s defense. Tatum and Brown asserted themselves as the best players on the court, finishing with a combined 48 points while shooting over 50 percent from the field.

2. Pritchard’s Three-Point Surge: 

Payton Pritchard, the reserve point guard, broke out of a December slump with a season-best 21 points. He made six of seven attempts from beyond the arc, providing a crucial scoring boost for the Celtics. Pritchard’s sharpshooting, especially from deep, was a significant factor in turning the tide for the team.

3. Deep Bench Steps Up: 

With several rotation players out, Coach Joe Mazzulla experimented with various lineups. All 10 active Celtics players saw minutes, and the deep reserves delivered encouraging performances. Lamar Stevens held his own in a spot start at center, Neemias Queta provided solid defense off the bench, and Oshae Brissett had a standout game with 11 points, showcasing the team’s depth.

4. Celtics’ Intensity and Focus: 

Despite strategic absences in the frontcourt, the Celtics showed a high level of intensity and focus from the opening tip. Eager to avenge previous losses to the Magic, Boston played smart basketball, moved the ball unselfishly, and disrupted the Magic’s offense. The Celtics demonstrated a level of respect for their opponent and played with a sense of purpose, an impressive feat considering their injuries and a demanding schedule.