BOSTON – Over two weeks ago, after the Orlando Magic’s latest rally fell short in a loss to the Detroit Pistons, fourth-year guard Jalen Suggs called out a worrying trend among his team in hopes of nipping it in the bud.

“We’re putting ourselves in these holes and spotting teams leads, then having to fight, scratch, claw just to get back in the game and give ourselves a chance,” Suggs said on New Year’s Day.

The Magic had developed a resilience that meant they were never out of games, no matter the score. Complimentary, energy-filled basketball helped Orlando do the fighting, scratching and clawing to get back into those games.

Did it always result in a victory? Not quite. But the relentless attitude and constant effort – especially for a team so handicapped by its shrinking list of healthy players – was commendable, and has been embedded in the Magic’s DNA.

In the rare occasions when it doesn’t show face, though, Magic coach Jamahl Mosley says it’s “glaring.” That was the case when the Milwaukee Bucks delivered a 29-point shellacking to Orlando, marking the most lopsided loss for the Magic this year.

“There was an energy and effort issue,” said Mosley postgame.

Wendell Carter Jr. would later say his team was “out-physicaled” and made life too easy for their opponent.

Then, in the locker room, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope told reporters Orlando got its “a– whooped,” and Paolo Banchero told reporters, “[A]s a group top to bottom, we’ve got to be more ready to play. We’re down a lot of bodies, but we can’t make excuses and we’ve just got to come out and play for each other.”

To Banchero’s point, the Magic’s 124 missed games from players due to injury or illness haven’t been a catch-all, safety-net excuse when the team is struggling. Instead, their aforementioned resilience built an identity that helped them generate results throughout the entire first half of the season, regardless of available contributors.

It justifies Mosley’s claims that the lackluster performance vs. the Bucks “wasn’t Orlando Magic basketball. Not even close.” Because although that was the case in Game 42, through the first 41 games, it wasn’t.

“It’s something that you can learn from, and you have to be able to bounce back, which this group has always done,” Mosley said.

With a national audience watching along, Orlando (0-4 in national TV games this season) pays its only visit to TD Garden Friday evening, squaring off with the defending champion Boston Celtics for the second of three matchups this season. The Magic host the 18-time champs once more in April to close the Kia Center’s regular season slate.

Boston has dropped three of their last five outings, including an uncharacteristic loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night in Scotiabank Arena. The Celtics were without Jayson Tatum due to a last-minute spat with an illness in the Magic’s Dec. 23 home win, but Orlando was shorthanded as well. Of their top four scorers, only Suggs was available.

“We beat them last time at home, so I’m sure they haven’t forgot that,” Paolo Banchero said in Orlando’s locker room Wednesday. “They have a hell of a home atmosphere [and] home crowd, so they’ll be ready to play in front of their fans.”

Heading into Friday’s tilt, where both teams are eager to wipe the slate clean from their mid-week malaise, Boston reports a clean bill of health. Now, only Banchero is available of the Magic’s top scorers, and other key reserves are unavailable as well.

MORE: Magic-Celtics Injury Report

Those who are available, however, say they shouldn’t have any issue getting back to their standard.

“Playing against teams like this is what hoopers get up for,” Anthony Black said. “Definitely getting up for this game. It’s always fun playing against some good hoopers, so I think we’re up and I think we’ll be ready to bring energy come game time.”

“You don’t like losing games, especially when you get your butt kicked,” Mosley said, “but you also have to know you have to bounce back, can’t hang your head, be ready to go and move on the next game.”

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BOSTON — The Arborway is home to nature. The Arboretum along the road is no stranger to ponds and amphibians, so it’s fitting that crossing the street feels like a game of Frogger. The state has taken notice and has a proposal to overhaul the entire thoroughfare.

Neighbors hope for changes

“You are definitely taking your life in your own hands trying to cross this road. There are a lot of crashes right here because you have four lanes going into one,” said Ed Narenkivicius, a dog walker who’s lived here for 25 years. “The current model isn’t working, so hoping for anything with common sense.”

Out of the 13 intersections on the Arborway, only two are signaled, which means at 11 of them, pedestrians have to wait for the cars to stop to cross. With multiple lanes, people can be waiting a while or choose to risk it to run across.

“I don’t use a crosswalk that doesn’t have a signal, and the ones up here are just flashing yellow. I wait until cars stop,” said Narenkivicius.

“It is challenging at times. We have to dodge cars from time to time or wait,” said Heidi Blake, another neighbor out walking her dog. “As a driver, I have seen cars run into one another, and very dodgy entrances and exits.”

Blake is onto something. She’s lived here for 10 years, and studies back up her fears. Over the last five years, there have been more than 100 sideswipe crashes at both Murray and Kelley Circle.

“You can see the sideswipe crashes are clustered and concentrated near the entrances and exits to the circle,” said Project Manager Teren Wong while showcasing data during a public meeting online.

Two traffic circles removed

In response, the state is working to overhaul the entire Arborway by doing away with both circles altogether. Bike and pedestrian lanes will be added, as well as reducing the number of pedestrian crossings. The ones that remain will be signaled. The proposal increases green space as well.

Many of the people we spoke with were in favor change, but skeptical of the current design. During the public meeting this week, one Pondside neighborhood resident worried the new design will make it difficult to access his street.

“You’ve got to think about this seriously, and you’ve got to resolve it because this is not going to stand,” the resident said.

The proposal is still being tweaked. They hope to have it finalized by 2026.

Equipped with a lengthy coastline and a fishing culture that dates back centuries, Massachusetts has earned widespread acclaim for its world-class seafood scene—but that’s not all that this historic state has to offer. In addition to being the birthplace of beloved baked goods like the Boston cream pie and chocolate chip cookie, the commonwealth also boasts one of the finest dining scenes in all of New England. During a visit to the capital city of Boston, tourists can discover all sorts of polished bars and prestigious restaurants within city limits, and for a truly lavish experience, there’s no beating the Boston Wine and Food Festival.

First launched in 1989, this esteemed affair is set to return for its 36th iteration this year, with no shortage of elevated drinking and dining experiences taking place within the city’s world-class Boston Harbor Hotel. As one of the longest food and drink-focused events in the nation, the Boston Wine and Food Festival spans from late January until the final week of March, with festivities officially kicking off on January 31st at Opening Night. Taking place in the Harbor Hotel’s opulent Wharf Room, this lively event invites guests to sample more than 100 different wines sourced from all across the globe, all while enjoying live music and bites crafted by Executive Chef David Daniels.

After Opening Night, festival participants can look forward to twenty wine-focused events taking place throughout February and March, many of which shine a spotlight on the natural bounty of both California and Western Europe. For a deep dive on the agricultural history of France’s Rhône Valley, the Châteauneuf-du-Pâpe Dinner is the perfect event, while concepts like The Tuscan Sun Dinner and Marchesi di Barolo Dinner are ideal for discovering the rich array of wines that hail from the Italian peninsula.

When it comes to specific varieties of wine, the festival offers curated master classes focusing on Nebbiolo, Champagne and rosé, but for those in search of a particularly romantic experience, it’s tough to beat Valentines on the French Riviera. Taking place on February 14th, this intimate affair invites participants to enjoy a private dinner under the golden glow of candlelight, with seven refined wines from the French Riviera served alongside flavorful Mediterranean fare.

While the Boston Wine and Food Festival is particularly elegant all on its own, its host hotel is offering an opportunity for guests to elevate their experience with The Presidential Burgundy Experience. Taking place on March 21st, this grandiose event provides up to eight participants with an opportunity to bask in the beauty of the property’s Presidential Suite—a 4,800-square-foot space that comes complete with a private elevator, open-air terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows—and enjoy a sommelier-led Burgundy tasting experience and lavish, six-course dinner prepared by Chef David Daniels.

During the Presidential Burgundy Experience, guests can also take advantage of the full-service open bar available all throughout the meal, while the following morning brings the opportunity to enjoy an elegant brunch served in the comfort of the suite. And to sweeten the deal, a stay at the Boston Harbor Hotel also allows guests to pay a visit to Rowes Wharf Sea Grille—a top spot for lobster, oysters and clam chowder—without having to step outdoors and brave the winter weather.

While Massachusetts has long been renowned for its thriving seafood scene, the Boston Wine and Food Festival highlights far more than just the Bay State, with no shortage of acclaimed restaurateurs gathering to pay homage to the world’s most esteemed wineries. From Hollywood-inspired dinners to deep dives on the world of Pinot Noir, this lauded festival grants guests an opportunity to enjoy the elevated ambiance of the city at its very best—and with winter in full swing, the Boston Wine and Food Festival provides the perfect opportunity to escape the cold and immerse yourself in the flavors of Napa, Tuscany or the French Riviera for a truly unforgettable night.