Boston Celtics
Celtics Eliminate Magic with 120-89 Win in Game 5 Blowout
BOSTON — Jayson Tatum delivered a commanding performance with 35 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, propelling the Boston Celtics to a 120-89 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night at TD Garden. This win clinched the first-round playoff series 4-1 for the Celtics, who now advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The game remained competitive through the first half, with the Magic holding a narrow 49-47 lead at halftime. However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the third quarter. Magic forward Paolo Banchero, who had been instrumental in the team’s performance, picked up his fourth and fifth fouls in quick succession, forcing him to the bench. During his absence, the Celtics capitalized, outscoring the Magic 36-13 in the third quarter and establishing a commanding lead. Banchero finished the game with 19 points and six assists.
“It definitely swung the series. It definitely swung the game,” Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley said regarding Banchero’s foul trouble. “All I saw is Paolo getting an elbow to the face or back into the face — and he got the foul. That was a game-changer right there. Your best player picks up his fifth foul in the third quarter. It’s tough to come back from that moment.”
Franz Wagner led the Magic with 25 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Magic struggled to contain the Celtics’ offensive surge in the second half. The Celtics’ victory was marked by a remarkable turnaround in three-point shooting. After going 0-for-8 from beyond the arc in the first half, Boston found its rhythm, hitting 13 of 17 three-point attempts in the second half. Jaylen Brown added 23 points to support Tatum’s standout performance.
“You just have to find different ways,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said. “That’s what this series called for. Every series calls for different things. You have to be able to win in different ways on both sides of the ball.” With this win, the Celtics advance to face the winner of the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons series in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Knicks currently lead that series 3-2. For the Magic, this loss concludes their playoff run. Despite the early exit, the team’s performance throughout the season and in the playoffs showcased their growth and potential for future success.
“It’s a tough way to end the season, but I’m proud of our guys,” Mosley said. “We fought hard and gained valuable experience that will serve us well moving forward.”
