Celtics Bench Stuns Magic in Stunning Regular Season Finale

Joe Mazzulla's makeshift roster pulls off shocking upset despite massive salary disadvantage.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 5:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with players and court reduced to angular, abstracted forms in a vibrant color palette.Mazzulla's masterful coaching performance shatters expectations, as his makeshift Celtics roster triumphs over a more experienced and well-resourced opponent.Boston Today

Despite resting their starters and having the NBA's lowest-paid active roster, the Boston Celtics pulled off a stunning 113-108 victory over the playoff-contending Orlando Magic in the final game of the regular season. Head coach Joe Mazzulla's masterful coaching performance has cemented his case for NBA Coach of the Year, as he transformed an undermanned and inexperienced squad into a relentless winner against a much deeper and more expensive Magic team.

Why it matters

Mazzulla's ability to win with a limited roster has been a major storyline all season, and this game encapsulates his coaching brilliance. The Celtics' victory over a playoff-bound team, despite massive talent and salary disparities, further solidifies Mazzulla as a leading candidate for the NBA's top coaching honor.

The details

With the Celtics already locked into the Eastern Conference's 2-seed, Mazzulla rested his starters for Sunday's regular season finale against the Magic, who were fighting for a playoff berth. Mazzulla's active roster had a total salary of just $11.5 million, the lowest in the NBA this season, compared to $173 million for the Magic. Despite being massive underdogs, Mazzulla's makeshift Celtics squad pulled off the shocking 113-108 upset, showcasing the coach's ability to get the most out of his players.

  • The Celtics clinched the 2-seed in the Eastern Conference on Friday, April 11, 2026.
  • The Celtics defeated the Magic 113-108 in the regular season finale on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Joe Mazzulla

The head coach of the Boston Celtics, who has led the team to a strong season despite key injuries and roster turnover.

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' best player, who missed most of the season due to injury.

Jamahl Mosley

The head coach of the Orlando Magic, whose team was fighting for a playoff berth.

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What they’re saying

“Mazzulla proved he can win with anyone, especially during the Boston Celtics' regular-season finale at TD Garden on Sunday.”

— Tyler Maher, Author

“Despite having an incredibly limited and shorthanded roster, Mazzulla still found a way to win and get the most out of his players. In a season full of tremendous performances, it was probably his best and most impressive.”

— Tyler Maher, Author

What’s next

NBA Coach of the Year voting will take place in the coming weeks, with Mazzulla and J.B. Bickerstaff considered the top candidates.

The takeaway

Joe Mazzulla's ability to lead the Celtics to victory over a playoff-bound Magic team, despite having the NBA's lowest-paid active roster, has cemented his case as the rightful NBA Coach of the Year. His masterful coaching performance in the regular season finale showcased his talent for getting the most out of his players, even in the face of significant talent and resource disparities.