The Boston Celtics developed a deep roster over the course of the 2025-26 campaign, and it was ironically most apparent when they had just eight players available on Sunday night against the Orlando Magic. With most of the Celtics resting and sidelined — including stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, center Neemias Queta, guard Derrick White, and others — the bench was forced to step up. But to say they stepped up would be putting it lightly, as the undermanned Celtics took down the (mostly healthy) Magic 113-108 at TD Garden.
In just his fifth start of the season, center Luka Garza dazzled with a career-high 27 points, including a dagger 3-pointer with 32 seconds to go that essentially ruined the Magic’s chances of capturing the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. Celtics guard Ron Harper Jr., who had never started in an NBA game prior to this season, also finished with a career-high 27 points.
Wing Baylor Scheierman rounded out the surprising, yet strong performances from the Celtics starters with a game-high (and career-high) 30 points in almost 39 minutes of play. His hustle on both ends of the floor boosted Boston and encapsulated the high effort of the Celtics, who largely outworked the Magic despite having nothing to play for in terms of seeding.
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Up next for the 56-26 Celtics are the playoffs, which tip off for them on Sunday afternoon at TD Garden. The Green Team’s first-round opponent will be the winner of a Wednesday night Play-In Tournament matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the aforementioned Magic.
But before the C’s know who they’re facing, let’s take a look at the best photos from their stunning regular season finale:
Apr 12, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (7) react during the first half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Baylor Scheierman (55) drives to the basket during the second half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) dunks the ball during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Ron Harper Jr (13) dunks the ball during the second half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Ron Harper Jr (13) and Boston Celtics guard Baylor Scheierman (55) celebrate during the second half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Luka Garza (52) reacts during the second half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Luka Garza (52) shoots during the second half against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Luka Garza (52) defends Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr (34) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
Apr 12, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Baylor Scheierman (55) blocks Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Celtics trick Magic 113-108 for final win of regular season