The Boston Celtics wrapped up their first-round playoff series against the Orlando Magic with a dominant 120-89 victory in Game 5, securing their spot in the second round. All-Star wings Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the way with a combined 58 points, shooting a scorching 55.9% from the field (19-of-34).

After a competitive first half, which saw the Magic lead 49-47 at halftime, the Celtics took control of the game in the third quarter. A key moment came early in the third when Tatum hit Boston’s first three-pointer of the game, cutting the deficit to 53-51. That sparked a surge, with Brown completing a three-point play on the next possession to give the Celtics the lead, and from there, it was all Boston.

The Celtics outscored the Magic 36-13 in the third quarter, taking a commanding 21-point lead into the final frame. Tatum and Brown contributed 22 points on just nine shots in the quarter, with Tatum hitting all three of his three-point attempts. The Celtics’ defense was stifling, limiting Orlando to just 6-of-22 shooting in the third and forcing five turnovers, which resulted in 10 Boston points.

While Boston struggled with their three-point shooting in the first half, they found their rhythm in the second half, finishing the game with a 55% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Despite not hitting a single three-pointer in the first half, the Celtics dominated inside, outscoring the Magic 32-16 in the paint.

Magic’s Banchero Impresses Despite Loss

The Magic’s standout player, Paolo Banchero, continued to show why he’s a star on the rise. The 22-year-old forward was a force throughout the series, and even though Orlando’s playoff run ended in Game 5, Banchero’s 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists were a testament to his development. He averaged 32 points per game in the series, showcasing his strength, vision, and poise on the court.

Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley praised Banchero for his growth: “He’s impressed me since the moment he got here. He’s a guy we can build around.”

Despite the loss, Banchero’s all-around play in this series showed that he has the potential to lead Orlando to the playoffs for years to come, especially if the team adds a couple of key shooters around him.

Looking Ahead

With this win, the Celtics advance to face the winner of the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons’ first-round series. The Pistons staved off elimination on Tuesday and will host the Knicks in Game 6 on Thursday. As for the Celtics, they move forward as one of the favorites in the East, with their core of Tatum and Brown continuing to shine in the postseason.