Summer League Showdown in Las Vegas
The Orlando Magic secured a 103-97 victory over the Boston Celtics in a summer league matchup held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on a night that saw a blend of veteran poise and promising rookie moments.
Veteran forward Malik Reneau paced the Magic with 19 points, while Au'Diese Toney added 18 and rookie big man Will Baker contributed 15, forming a balanced scoring attack that kept the Celtics at bay.
Boston’s Caleb Grill matched the effort with 18 points, but the Magic’s depth proved decisive as they outscored the Celtics in the fourth quarter.
Rookie Keon Johnson Makes His Mark
Among the newcomers, former Tennessee standout Keon Johnson logged seven points, three rebounds, two steals and an assist in just 11 minutes of action, showcasing the defensive instincts that earned him a reputation at the collegiate level.
Johnson’s brief but impactful stint underscored the Magic’s willingness to integrate younger talent, a strategy that aligns with his own trajectory from a two‑time Tennessee Mr. Basketball award winner to a first‑round draft pick.
Selected by the New York Knicks in 2021 before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers and eventually finding a spot on the Magic’s summer roster, Johnson’s journey reflects a rapid rise that began on the courts of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, where he first garnered statewide recognition.
His college stint at Tennessee was marked by a 11.3‑point average, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game during the 2020‑21 season, earning him a place on the SEC All‑Freshman Team and cementing his status as one of the state’s most celebrated high school products.