(Sports Network) - Rewind back to the third quarter on Monday and the Orlando Magic were feeling pretty good about themselves.

Stan Van Gundy's team had amassed a 28-point lead over the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series. Then the wheels came off.

The Celtics staged an impressive comeback, falling just short of stealing Game 1 before blasting Orlando, 112-94, in Game 2 on Wednesday.

Now as things shift to central Florida for a pivotal Game 3 tonight, the Magic will be without point guard Rafer Alston, who was suspended by the NBA for slapping C's guard Eddie House in the back of the head in the third quarter of Game 2. Alston, who is starting in place of injured All-Star Jameer Nelson, will be replaced in the lineup by the 34-year-old Anthony Johnson and the seldom-used Tyronn Lue.

Alston contended that House goaded him into the play but it was the second time a key Magic player has lost his cool in the postseason. Superstar Dwight Howard elbowed Philadelphia center Samuel Dalembert in the head to draw a suspension for Game 6 of their first-round series against the Sixers. Orlando managed to win that game and now must find another way to persevere without a key contributor.

House had a spectacular shooting night on Wednesday, pouring in a playoff career-best 31 points, as the Celtics blew out the Magic to even the series.

Unlike the opener, when Boston fell behind by as many as 28 in the third quarter before losing, 95-90, the Celtics never trailed in Game 2.

Boston's starting backcourt of Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo, who combined to go 4-for-24 from the field on Monday, were big factors in the Game 2 victory. Allen had 22 points and Rondo recorded his third triple-double of these playoffs with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 18 assists. The duo combined to shoot 14-of-34 in Game 2.

"All I thought about after the loss was how sluggish I started the game," said Rondo. "I can make a lot of excuses, but I just didn't come out and play with great passion that first half and it was too late the second half to try to get it back. But I would never have that happen again and I wanted to come out tonight and make a point."

House's points were the most by a Boston bench player in the playoffs since May 1, 1993 when Kevin McHale had 30 in a reserve role in a loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

With Paul Pierce in foul trouble most of the night and finishing with just three points, House took matters in his own hands, going 11-of-14 from the field and didn't miss in four tries from beyond the arc, frustrating the Magic and Alston.

It was in the final minute of the third quarter, just after House nailed a jumper, when Alston slapped him on the back of the head. Magic guard J.J. Redick then was ejected in the fourth quarter after fouling House.

Howard had 12 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2 for Orlando, while Rashard Lewis contributed 17 points and 10 boards. Mickael Pietrus notched 17 points in a reserve role.

"It starts with me on both ends," said Howard. "The first game I was more active on the defensive end. I was able to block shots, rebound, running the floor, and being aggressive. Tonight it just wasn't there so it starts with me and I understand that the team is going to follow my lead and if I'm not out there playing Dwight Howard basketball then the rest of my guys aren't going to fall in line."

The Magic again played without shooting guard Courtney Lee. The rookie remained sidelined after having surgery for a fractured sinus but will return for Game 3 tonight.

Boston, meanwhile, continues to play without All-Star forward Kevin Garnett, who is expected to miss the entire series with strained ligaments in his right knee.

The Celtics and Magic split the four-game regular season series this year with each club winning once on the other team's home floor.

The teams have met in the playoffs just once with Orlando earning a 3-1 win in the 1995 Eastern Conference quarterfinals.

Game 4 of the best-of-seven set is set for Sunday in Amway Arena.



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