Celtics Dominate Magic to Advance in Playoffs
BOSTON – The Boston Celtics secured a decisive victory against the Orlando Magic, winning 120-89 in Game 5 of their first-round playoff series on Tuesday at TD Garden. This victory marked a swift elimination of the Magic, propelling the Celtics to the Eastern Conference semifinals where they will face either the New York Knicks or the Detroit Pistons.
Jayson Tatum shone brightly, scoring a game-high 35 points and contributing 10 assists and eight rebounds. This performance marked his third consecutive game with over 30 points since returning from a wrist injury. Jaylen Brown supported with 23 points, while Boston’s bench trio—Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, and Luke Kornet—combined for 29 points, showcasing the team’s depth.
A crucial moment in the game occurred early in the third quarter when Magic star Paolo Banchero was charged with a fifth foul. With Banchero sidelined, the Celtics went on a dominating run, outscoring Orlando 30-9 during that segment. They regained their offensive rhythm in the second half, transitioning from a lackluster first half to hitting 13 of 18 three-pointers. The Magic struggled to keep pace, shooting just 4-for-28 from beyond the arc in the second half, ultimately leading to their defeat.
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