Celtics Bench Shocks Magic, Clinch 2 Seed

0:00On April 14th, in a wild, regular season finale, the Boston Celtics rested 8 key players but still stunned the Orlando Magic 1-13. 2-108. Their bench crew stepped up huge, clinching the number 2 seed in the east, and sending Orlando to the play-in tournament against the 76ers. Baylor Shireman dropped a career high 30 points to lead the charge, while Luca Garza hit the dagger 3-pointer late, and Ron Harper Jr. added 27. Coach Joe Mazella called it a perfect showcase of their stay-ready mentality, even with stars like Jason Tatum and Jalen Brown sitting. Magic stars Paolo Banchero and Jalen Subs looked defeated after the loss, with coach Dermall Mosley admitting they got outplayed. Fans and analysts are buzzing about Boston's depth, saying it proves why they're contenders again. Now the Celtics await the winner of that Magic 76ers play-in game for their first round match-up. Game 1 at TD Garden is set, and odds have Mazella in the mix for a coach of the year after this masterpiece.

1:02Meanwhile, Doc Rivers stepped down as Buck's coach after a rough year, opening doors in the east. Boston's rolling into playoffs with that same gritty identity, ready to defend their crown. This has been Boston Celtics News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story.