LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida, USA (AP) – Gordon Hayward hit three free throws with 2:29 left in overtime and the Celtics defeated the Orlando Magic 122-119 on Sunday, Boston’s third straight win. .
The Celtics did not score in overtime until Hayward went to the line after being knocked down by Nikola Vučević. His free throws put Boston at 115-114, with the Celtics taking 10 of the first 15 points from overtime.
Hayward finished with 31 points and Jayson Tatum with 29, including the equalizer with 4.2 seconds remaining in the fourth period. Jaylen Brown had 19 points and 12 rebounds, and Brad Wanamaker had 10 points.
Boston entered the game with third place in the Eastern Conference, after Toronto defeated Memphis in a previous game on Sunday. The Celtics are now 4-2 in the bubble.
Magic also had a guaranteed place in the playoff, despite suffering three consecutive defeats.
Vučević led Orlando’s attack with 26 points and 11 hits. Terrence Ross contributed 18 points and Markelle Fultz with 16 as a reserve. Gary Clark scored 15 points, DJ Augustin 12 and James Ennis III 10.
