Orlando hits rock bottom against Celtics
BOSTON - Reuters
Orlando Magic’s Hidayet Türkoğlu drives to the basket against Boston Celtics. REUTERS photo
The injury-depleted Boston Celtics forced the Orlando Magic into a franchise-worst offensive performance in an alarming 87-56 rout on Monday.Setting an all-time Magic low for points and field goals, visiting Orlando (11-5) was held to just 20 second-half points and 24 percent shooting.
Paul Pierce and Brandon Bass led Boston with 19 points each and the Celtics leaned on their defense in the absence of point guard Rajon Rondo, who missed his third straight game with a sprained wrist, and Ray Allen who hurt his ankle on Sunday against Washington.
Turkish forward Hidayet “Hedo” Türkoğlu scored 7 points for the losing side, while Dwight Howard managed 18 points and 14 rebounds but he made just four of his 15 shots and was the only Magic player to reach double figures scoring.
In Chicago, NBA Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah returned from injury to guide the Chicago Bulls to an emphatic 110-95 victory over the New Jersey Nets.
Rose, who had missed four games with a sprained left big toe, scored 22 points with eight assists.
Noah, who missed one game with a left ankle sprain, posted a “double-double” of 22 points and 10 assists as all five Chicago starters scored in double figures.
Center Ömer Aşık posted 10 points for the home side while Mehmet Okur scored seven in a dismal performance.
