- Jayson Tatum scored 35+ points in three consecutive playoff games for the first time in his career
- The Celtics went 0-of-6 from three in the first half, their first such half without a triple this season
- Boston outscored Orlando by 33 points after the big break to seal a 4-1 series win
Key Takeaways:
Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 35 points as Boston Celtics won 120:89 against Orlando Magic in a first-round NBA Playoff game from the Eastern Conference. The champions closed the series in five games, winning 4:1 overall.
Tatum shot 10-of-16 from the field and hit all 11 of his free-throw attempts. He added eight rebounds and ten assists to his tally. Jaylen Brown contributed 23 points. At halftime, Orlando held a narrow 49:47 lead, but the Celtics dominated the second half 73:40 to cruise to victory.
Do you believe in magic?
Nah. pic.twitter.com/3R7DFyQ8JH
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 30, 2025
The win also capped an impressive three-game run for Tatum, who missed Game 2 due to a wrist injury. He returned with 36 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists in Game 3; 37 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 assists in Game 4; and closed the series with 35, 8, and 10 in Game 5 — marking the first time in his playoff career he has recorded 35+ in three straight games.
The game also marked a rare shooting drought for Boston. The Celtics went 0-of-6 from beyond the arc in the first half, the first time this season they failed to hit a three-pointer in a half.
Franz Wagner was Orlando’s top scorer with 25 points. Paolo Banchero finished with 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Wendell Carter Jr. added 12 points and ten rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Magic were eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs for the sixth straight appearance.