Celtics Advance After Dominating Magic

The Boston Celtics secured their place in the next phase of the NBA Playoffs by defeating the Orlando Magic with a convincing 120-89 victory in Game 5 of their first-round matchup. The contest took place Wednesday night at TD Garden.

The Celtics’ triumph finalized the series at 4-1.

Boston initiated the game energetically, showcasing exceptional execution on both offense and defense. They quickly established control, outscoring the Magic 23-12 in the opening quarter and maintaining their advantage throughout the game.

The Celtics widened their lead in each subsequent quarter, asserting their dominance.

Tatum’s Stellar Performance

Jayson Tatum spearheaded the Celtics’ attack, delivering an impressive all-around performance with 35 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists in just 34 minutes of play.

Jaylen Brown contributed 23 points and six rebounds, while Derrick White added 11 points and five assists to the winning effort.

Coach Mazzulla’s Perspective

“There’s a lot we can learn from this series, and now we have to get ready for whoever we play next,” stated Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla.

“We’ll utilize the available time for preparation, focusing on areas that require improvement, regardless of our next opponent,” he added.

Despite a noteworthy performance from Franz Wagner, who scored 25 points for Orlando, the Magic’s streak of first-round exits has now extended to six series, dating back to the 2010-11 season.

Paolo Banchero recorded 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds.

The Celtics’ reserves also played a pivotal role. Payton Pritchard scored 10 points in 25 minutes, and Sam Hauser added another 10 points in just 20 minutes. Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis provided a solid presence in the frontcourt, amassing 17 points and 12 rebounds combined.

Boston’s stifling defense held the Magic to a mere 89 points, disrupting their offensive flow throughout the contest. With a well-rounded offense and robust defense, the Celtics demonstrated their championship potential.

Having concluded this series, Boston now sets its sights on the second round, buoyed by strong momentum and a deep, cohesive roster performing at its peak.