Celtics' Luka Garza Hits Game-Winning Shot to Beat Magic

Rookie Garza drains clutch 3-pointer in final seconds to lift short-handed Celtics

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:40am

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An abstract, neon-colored expressionist painting depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a basketball player making a game-winning shot, with the player's form and the ball dissolving into vibrant brushstrokes of color.Luka Garza's clutch 3-pointer lifts the short-handed Celtics to a thrilling victory over the Magic.Boston Today

With the game tied in the final seconds, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla drew up a play for rookie Luka Garza to get a quick shot off and give Boston a chance at the game-winner. Garza delivered, draining a contested 3-pointer to lift the undermanned Celtics to a victory over the Orlando Magic.

Why it matters

The Celtics were playing with just eight available players, including several on two-way contracts, making Garza's heroics all the more impressive. The win keeps Boston in the hunt for the top seed in the Eastern Conference despite key injuries.

The details

Mazzulla called a timeout with 36 seconds left to set up a two-for-one opportunity, knowing his team could get two chances to score if they hurried. Garza caught the ball off a screen and quickly launched a contested 3-pointer, which found the bottom of the net to give the Celtics the lead. The crowd at TD Garden erupted as Garza's shot proved to be the game-winner.

  • With 36 seconds left in the game, the score was tied.
  • Mazzulla called a timeout to set up the final possession.

The players

Luka Garza

A rookie forward for the Boston Celtics who hit the game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds.

Joe Mazzulla

The head coach of the Boston Celtics who drew up the final play for Garza.

Wendell Carter Jr.

The Orlando Magic player who was defending Garza on the game-winning shot.

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What they’re saying

“We drew up a play for me to come off a screen. We wanted to go for the two-for-one, so I knew once I caught it, I had to go up with it.”

— Luka Garza, Celtics Forward

“I just knew I wanted to get it off quick and obviously I tried to face up. It was kind of a wild shot, but I'm glad it went in.”

— Luka Garza, Celtics Forward

“Very rarely, you're in a situation like that, one timeout, 35 seconds, you get the two-for-one. So it's a credit to Luka to just get a play off there, but that allowed us to kind of play situational basketball.”

— Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Head Coach

What’s next

The Celtics will look to build on this win as they continue their push for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Their next game is against the Philadelphia 76ers on April 15th.

The takeaway

Luka Garza's game-winning shot showcased the Celtics' resilience and ability to win close games despite key injuries. The rookie's heroics proved that the team's depth and coaching can overcome adversity, a promising sign as they gear up for the playoffs.