The physicality in the Celtics vs. Magic first-round playoff series has escalated to a dangerous level — and Jaylen Brown is clearly reaching his breaking point.

After the Boston Celtics’ tough Game 3 loss to the Orlando Magic, Brown sounded off about the increasingly aggressive play from Orlando, warning that if the hard fouls continue, a fight might break out.

Third Flagrant Foul Adds to Growing Tension

The latest incident came when Cole Anthony pulled Brown down awkwardly during the second quarter, resulting in Orlando’s third flagrant foul of the series. Brown writhed on the court in pain but managed to stay in the game, later revealing he had dislocated his index finger on the play.

“I dislocated my index finger, but I got nine more. So I’m all right,” Brown told reporters, keeping a gritty attitude.

The hard fouls have been a consistent theme:

• Game 1: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope‘s hard foul on Jayson Tatum, who later missed Game 2 with a wrist injury.

• Game 2: Goga Bitadze bloodied Kristaps Porzingis with an elbow.

• Game 3: Cole Anthony pulls down Brown, leading to another flagrant.

Brown: “Refs Are Not Controlling the Environment”

Brown didn’t mince words about the series’ physical nature and lack of officiating control.

“There might be a fight break out or something,” Brown warned. “Because it’s starting to feel like it’s not even basketball, and the refs are not controlling the environment. If you want to fight it out, we can do that. We can fight to see who goes to the second round.”

Celtics Struggle in Game 3 Loss

The Celtics’ frustrations were amplified by their poor performance in Game 3:

• Only 11 points scored in the third quarter.

• 19 total turnovers, including 13 combined by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

Despite the loss, Boston still holds a 2-1 series lead heading into Game 4.

What’s Next: Game 4 Preview

Game 4 promises even more drama when the series shifts back to Orlando’s Kia Center on Sunday night.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston.

If Orlando keeps pushing the physical limits — and if the officials continue to let things slide — tempers could flare even more between these two Eastern Conference rivals.