BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics are riding high after a solid 2-0 series lead against the Orlando Magic in their first-round playoff matchup. Following a physical Game 2 at TD Garden on April 23, 2025, the Celtics secured a 109-100 victory, with Jaylen Brown stepping up in the absence of star forward Jayson Tatum.
Brown delivered an impressive performance, scoring a game-high 36 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, showcasing his ability to take charge when his team needed him the most. "I just wanted to do whatever it takes to help the team win," Brown said after the game. "We’ve been preparing for this moment, and I’m glad I could contribute."
Kristaps Porzingis also played a pivotal role, contributing 20 points and 10 rebounds despite suffering a nasty injury during the game. The big man took an elbow to the face from Goga Bitadze, resulting in five stitches. However, he returned to the court to a thunderous applause from the home crowd, proving his toughness and determination. "It was a tough hit, but I wasn’t going to let my teammates down," Porzingis stated.
Game 2 was marked by physical play, and tensions flared between players, most notably between Porzingis and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who had a brief altercation during the match. Both teams displayed their competitive spirit, but the Celtics managed to pull away in the second half, outscoring the Magic 60-45 after halftime.
The Celtics had previously won Game 1 of the series 103-86, where Tatum had played despite injuring his right wrist after a hard foul. Tatum scored 17 points in that game, but the injury ultimately sidelined him for Game 2, marking the first playoff game he has missed in his career. The Celtics will need to adjust their game plan as they head to Orlando for Game 3, scheduled for Friday, April 25, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET.
Coach Joe Mazzulla expressed confidence in his team’s ability to adapt in Tatum's absence. "We’ve got a deep roster, and it’s time for others to step up. Jaylen showed he can handle the pressure, and we’ll need that kind of effort moving forward," Mazzulla said in the post-game press conference.
With Tatum out, Brown's shift to a more prominent role is crucial. He is expected to continue leading the charge, supported by Porzingis and the likes of Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, who have also been instrumental in the Celtics’ playoff run. The Celtics' championship pedigree will certainly be tested as they look to maintain momentum against a Magic team that is eager to fight back.
The Celtics' ability to win without Tatum could provide him with the opportunity to rest and recover fully, especially considering his importance to the team’s success. If they can continue to perform at this level, it could set them up for a strong finish in the series.
As the series moves to Orlando, the Celtics are focused on maintaining their defensive intensity while capitalizing on their scoring opportunities. The Magic will be looking to leverage their size advantage, with players like Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. expected to pose challenges for the Celtics' frontline.
Fans are eagerly anticipating Game 3, and the Celtics' ability to adapt without their star player will be critical. Will they continue their winning streak, or will the Magic find a way to turn the tide? Only time will tell as the series unfolds.
