Key Points Summary – Celtics Already on a Run
- The Boston Celtics started their playoff run with a confident 103-86 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 1.
- Derrick White exploded with 30 points, leading a deep and balanced Celtics squad.
- Jayson Tatum had a scare after a fall but returned and finished with 17 points—X-rays came back clean.
- Payton Pritchard added 19 off the bench, and Jaylen Brown contributed 16 in his return from a knee issue.
- Paolo Banchero scored 36 for Orlando, but turnovers and third-quarter struggles doomed the Magic.
- Boston outscored Orlando 30-18 in the third and never looked back, taking control of the series.
- Game 2 tips off Wednesday night in Boston, with the Celtics looking to go up 2-0.
Celtics Already on a Run – A Perfect Start to Boston’s Championship Chase
The Boston Celtics have officially fired the first shot in their postseason campaign—and they did it in style.
With a packed TD Garden roaring at full volume and green jerseys waving in every direction, the Celtics blew past the Orlando Magic 103-86 in Game 1 of their first-round series on Sunday.
Yes, it’s only one game. But make no mistake: Boston already looks like they’re on a run, and they’re just getting warmed up.
Derrick White Leads the Charge – 30 Points of Pure Fire
Forget star power for a second—this night belonged to Derrick White.
The Celtics guard was electric, pouring in 30 points with a perfect mix of confidence, speed, and swagger. Whether he was knocking down threes or slicing into the paint, White looked like a man on a mission.
“We’ve got many different ways we can win,” White said postgame. “A lot of different things we can throw at teams.”
And he’s not wrong. The Celtics are loaded, and White’s Game 1 performance just reminded everyone that this team is way more than a two-man show.
Tatum Scare Sends Shivers – But the MVP Candidate Is Fine
For a brief, terrifying moment, the mood at TD Garden dropped.
Midway through the fourth quarter, Jayson Tatum soared for a dunk and took a hard hit from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, crashing awkwardly on his right side. The crowd went silent as he clutched his wrist and stayed down.
Then, after a few tense seconds, he stood up.
“I just landed on it. It was throbbing for a second. It kind of went away,” Tatum said.
He stayed in the game, missed two free throws, but—most importantly—X-rays came back clean.
Celtics fans, you can breathe again.
Jaylen Brown Returns – And He’s Dunking with Power
Jaylen Brown, fresh off a knee issue that sidelined him for the final three regular-season games, looked sharp and strong, scoring 16 points in 31 minutes.
In the third quarter, Brown threw down a powerful two-handed slam, swung on the rim, and ignited the Garden.
“I haven’t got one of those in a little bit,” he said with a grin. “But we’re just getting started.”
If that’s true, then the rest of the East better watch out.
Payton Pritchard Lights It Up Off the Bench
While Boston’s stars got the headlines, Payton Pritchard was the X-factor, dropping 19 points off the bench and keeping the Magic on their heels.
The Celtics’ bench play was solid, steady, and smart. It’s just more evidence that this squad is deep, dangerous, and ready for a long playoff run.
Magic’s Bright Spot – Paolo Banchero Scores 36 in Loss
Orlando’s Paolo Banchero gave Celtics fans something to sweat about, pouring in 36 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in a strong playoff debut.
But even Banchero couldn’t save the Magic from their 15 turnovers, including six in the third quarter alone, when Boston pulled away.
“It’s Game 1, there’s nerves. Lit crowd. Really loud,” Banchero admitted. “Not a total surprise we struggled a bit.”
Despite the loss, Orlando’s young core showed promise—but they’ll need more than just promise to stop Boston.
The Turning Point – A Third-Quarter Takeover
The game was close at halftime—Orlando actually led by one—but Boston came out of the break with laser focus.
They outscored the Magic 30-18 in the third quarter, turning a tight game into a comfortable lead they never gave up.
Boston cranked up the defense, forced bad shots, and turned steals into transition points.
It was the kind of championship-level quarter that shows why so many expect the Celtics to go all the way.
Game 2 Is Coming – Can Boston Keep the Magic Down?
With Game 2 set for Wednesday night, all eyes are now on whether the Celtics can take full control of the series—or if the Magic will bounce back.
Coach Joe Mazzulla says the team isn’t taking anything for granted.
“We know Game 2 is going to be tougher,” he said. “They’re a young team, and they’re going to come back hungry.”
Still, with their stars healthy, their bench producing, and the crowd behind them, Boston is looking very hard to beat.
Celtics Already on a Run – Boston Looks Ready for Banner 18
The Celtics already on a run message couldn’t be clearer after Game 1.
They’ve got depth, star power, defensive grit, and a home-court advantage that’s as loud and proud as ever.
Tatum’s wrist is okay. Brown is back. White is red-hot. And the bench is bringing it.
If you’re an opposing team in the East, you’re officially on notice: Boston is here, and they’re rolling.
Get ready, NBA. The Celtics are chasing Banner 18—and this time, they just might catch it.
