Recent history just might be repeating itself.
And if you’re a Boston fan, that’s most certainly not a good thing.
The Orlando Magic dominated the Celtics in Wednesday night’s Game 5. The 113-92 loss leaves Boston up 3-2 in an Eastern Conference finals series it once led 3-0.
Flyers, anybody?
The Magic put on an offensive clinic on Wednesday, with a special emphasis on 3-point shooting. Jameer Nelson — a Philadelphia native, naturally — shot 4-for-5 from beyond the arc, and three other Orlando players hit at least two 3’s.
Nelson led all scorers with 24 points. Dwight Howard had 21, and J.J. Redick netted 14 in another strong performance.
Boston, meanwhile, could never get any traction on the offensive end. Rajon Rondo was good, but not great, with 19 points and six assists. Rasheed Wallace scored 21 off the bench.
Orlando slowly built its lead throughout the night. The Magic led 31-27 after the first quarter and outscored the C’s 26-22 in the second and 27-26 in the third before really putting the hammer down in the final frame.
The hits just kept on coming for the C’s. Kendrick Perkins was thrown out (see sidebar, below), and Glen Davis left with a concussion.
Game 6 is Friday.
