BOSTON — The Boston Celtics (29-12) have found themselves in a rough patch the past couple of weeks due to shooting slumps, a lot of traveling and so forth. However, they looked like the reigning defending champions Friday night with a blowout 121-94 win over the Orlando Magic (23-20).

Prior to the game, the Celtics had a slew of western conference teams on their list, including a four game road trip earlier in the month. C’s lost to the Kings, Thunder, and barely beat the Pelicans. And on Wednesday, a game they should’ve dominated, they lost to the Raptors by double digits.

“We’re going through some shit right now,” said Jayson Tatum on Wednesday after suffering their worst loss of the season to the Toronto Raptors.

Thankfully for Celtics fans, Kristaps Porzingis, Jaylen Brown, and Tatum each got their flow on offense Friday night to beat a team with a Paolo Banchero (21 ponits) who’s still getting back to his normal self from injury. Tatum led with 30 points, Brown had 20, and Porzingis had 23 against the eastern conference foe. By the time the fourth quarter winded down, the bench was in and the victory was secured.

Ironically, though the Celtics shot 45.9% from deep, they only put up 37 three-pointers, which is a low amount of attempts compared to how they’ve played this season. Most of the Celtics success was credited to not settling, but making the extra pass and driving to the rim looking to finish. Too many times this season the Celtics have settled for jump shots beyond the arc. On Friday, Tatum took some mid range shots, players pump faked and drove to the basket, and guys were looking to pass rather than shoot first. Boston’s 25 assists as a team proved it.

Cole Anthony led Orlando with 23 points, Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 15, and Anthony Black dropped 13.

Celtics still team to beat

Though the Knicks, who sit third in the conference behind Boston, lost to the Timberwolves Friday night, the Celtics’ struggles nearly puts them amongst most of the other teams in the east. 8.5 games behind the Cavs that shit in first place, the C’s game against the Atlanta Hawks Saturday night will be tough matchup. The Hawks have been hot winning three of their last four games.