Boston Celtics Drop Final Las Vegas Summer League Game to Orlando Magic
Key Missing Players Impact Celtics’ Summer League Standings
Coach Amile Jefferson elected to give unsigned prospects more court time for Boston’s concluding Las Vegas Summer League tilt. Second‑year forward Hugo Gonzalez and two 2026 draft prospects, Chris Cenac Jr. and Dillon Mitchell, were all sidelined, leaving the rotation thin against the Orlando Magic. The absences proved decisive as the Celtics couldn’t sustain the intensity needed to close out a tight contest.
Stat Breakdown: How the Magic Pulled Ahead
Boston fell behind in the shot‑margin battle by five attempts and committed 25 turnovers, a costly combination that doomed any comeback. The game featured ten lead changes, underscoring its back‑and‑forth nature before the Magic seized control. Ultimately the Magic recorded a 103‑97 victory, handing the Celtics a 3‑2 overall mark in the summer series.
- Shot‑margin deficit: 5 misses
- Turnovers: 25
- Lead changes: 10
Individual Performances Stand Out
Among Boston’s starters, John Tonje delivered a double‑digit outing with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block. Camp invitee Tucker DeVries added 11 points and two assists, providing the only other starter to crack the twenty‑point threshold. Off the bench, Caleb Grill shone with 18 points, three boards and an assist, the lone Celtic to make a noticeable impact.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 09: An NBA Summer League logo is shown on center court after a 2026 NBA Summer League game between the Sacramento Kings and the LA Clippers at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 09, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Looking Ahead: Celtics Prepare for 2026-27 Preseason
With summer league now complete, Boston heads into the 2026‑27 NBA preseason slated for late September or early October. The club will look to integrate the unsigned players who shone in Las Vegas, refining chemistry ahead of the regular season. Fans can expect an updated Celtics roster to hit the court soon, building on the lessons learned from this final loss.
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Boston Celtics lose 103-97 to Orlando Magic in final Las Vegas Summer League tilt
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