It’s ‘Big Baby’ carriage as Celtics even series

ORLANDO, FLA. —  The Orlando Magic doesn’t share much of anything with the Boston Celtics if you’re talking basketball history.

The Magic did borrow the Celtics’ idea of a parquet floor when it came into existence 20 years ago. Sunday night, the Celtics preferred the painted area to the parquet, riding their inside game to a last-second 95-94 victory to even the best-of-seven series at 2-2.

The heaviest player on the court -- 289-pound Glen “Big Baby” Davis -- hit the game-winning 21-foot jumper at the final horn.

The defending champion Celtics showed why they have the pedigree of 17-time titlists, winning a game they needed at Amway Arena to avoid falling into a 3-1 hole.

Game 5 is Tuesday at Boston.

The Magic trailed all of the second half until Dwight Howard hit two free throws for a 92-91 lead. Then Davis hit a short jumper for a 93-92 advantage with 32.5 seconds left.

The Magic called time out with 16.7 seconds remaining. Rashard Lewis was fouled and made both free throws for a 94-93 lead with 11.3 seconds on the clock.

Then Big Baby made every Magic fan cry.

“This is really neat,” the second-year forward said afterward, relishing his newfound celebrity. “This is my first time, so bear with me.”

Trailing by eight points heading into the final period, the Magic got to within 79-73 on Mickael Pietrus’ three-pointer.

The Celtics refused to crumble, hitting big shot after big shot, and the Magic would answer back. Orlando fell behind by six at 90-84, but Rashard Lewis’ jumper cut it to four.

Courtney Lee made a jumper to send the crowd to its feet. And after Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo hit just one of two free throws, Lee hit another shot to cut it to 91-90 and set the stage for a frantic finish.

“Big-shot Baby Davis,” Howard said, still shaking his head in disbelief. “We have to go back to Boston and get back up.”

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

bschmitz@orlandosentinel.com