"Before anyone gets too carried away with the recent play of Celtics guard Avery Bradley, first understand that Orlando's Jameer Nelson is struggling.

The Magic point guard, who gets another crack at the Celtics tomorrow night in his own building, shot 8-for-28 in the two games leading into Monday's loss to the Celts at the Garden. Handcuffed by pressure from Bradley, starting for the C's while Rajon Rondo [stats] heals his sprained right wrist, Nelson finished with as many points (five) as turnovers and fewer assists (three).

Nelson, corralled so completely, needed the time it takes an 18-wheeler to back into a loading bay to get the Magic into their offense.

"It got to a point where he didn't want to bring the ball up," said Bradley. "That's when I knew I was having an effect.""