BOSTON — The Orlando Magic's playoff journey came to a disheartening conclusion on Tuesday night, as they were decisively defeated by the Boston Celtics, 120-89, in Game 5 of their first-round series at TD Garden. This loss marked the second consecutive year the Magic exited the playoffs in the first round, a stark reminder of their struggles in recent postseason appearances.
The Celtics, aiming to defend their title, were propelled by a stellar performance from Jayson Tatum, who scored 35 points, dished out 10 assists, and grabbed eight rebounds. Tatum's dynamic play was complemented by Jaylen Brown, who added 23 points and contributed significantly on both ends of the court.
Despite a promising start, the Magic led 49-47 at halftime, but a disastrous third quarter proved to be their undoing. The Celtics outscored Orlando 36-13 in that pivotal period, effectively sealing the game. Coach Joe Mazzulla praised his team’s ability to adapt, stating, "You just have to find different ways. That’s what this series called for. Every series calls for different things." The Celtics, known for their three-point shooting prowess, notably failed to make a single three-pointer in the first half, a first for the franchise since 2021.
Paolo Banchero, the Magic's standout rookie, faced significant challenges throughout the game, particularly after picking up his fifth foul early in the third quarter. Coach Jamahl Mosley expressed frustration with the officiating, lamenting, "Your best player picks up his fifth foul in the third quarter. It’s tough to come back from that moment." Banchero managed to score 19 points before foul trouble forced him to the bench, where he watched as the Celtics surged ahead.
Franz Wagner led the Magic in scoring with 25 points, showcasing his offensive skills despite the team's overall struggles. The Magic’s shooting woes from beyond the arc were evident, as they missed 16 consecutive three-point attempts, finishing the game with a dismal 21.1% shooting percentage from three-point range (8 of 38). In contrast, the Celtics found their rhythm in the second half, making 13 of 18 three-point attempts and demonstrating their offensive depth.
Throughout the first half, the Magic displayed tenacity on the boards, securing 10 offensive rebounds and converting them into nine second-chance points. However, as the game progressed, their inability to maintain that intensity became apparent. The Celtics capitalized on Orlando's stagnant offense, which struggled to create open looks as the game wore on.
Wendell Carter Jr. contributed with 12 points and 10 rebounds, providing some support in the paint, but the Magic's overall performance was hampered by their inability to execute efficiently in crucial moments. Cole Anthony played 15 minutes and managed just three points, shooting 1 of 6 from the field, while Anthony Black, despite grabbing eight rebounds, was limited to only eight points in 21 minutes.
The Celtics' victory not only advanced them to the Eastern Conference semifinals but also underscored the Magic's ongoing challenges in the postseason. The last time Orlando won a playoff series was in 2010, when they reached the Eastern Conference Finals with stars like Dwight Howard and Vince Carter leading the charge.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are set to face either the New York Knicks or the Detroit Pistons in the next round, with the Knicks currently leading their series 3-2. As for the Magic, the focus now shifts to the offseason, where they will need to reassess and regroup following another early playoff exit.
In a season filled with promise, the Magic's inability to convert potential into success in the playoffs leaves fans yearning for a turnaround. With key players like Banchero and Wagner showing flashes of brilliance, the franchise hopes to build on their young talent in pursuit of a brighter future.
