Key Points Summary: Celtics eliminate Orlando Magic

• Celtics defeat Magic 120-89 in Game 5 to win series 4-1
• Jayson Tatum leads with 35 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds
• Boston advances to the Eastern Conference semifinals
• They will face either the Knicks or Pistons next
• Boston held to zero 3-pointers in the first half — and still dominated
• Orlando’s Paolo Banchero benched early in third with foul trouble

Boston, get ready — the Celtics are charging into the semifinals and they mean business!

The defending champs are back in full force after steamrolling the Orlando Magic 120-89 in a dominant Game 5 performance on Tuesday night. With the win, Boston closed out the first-round series 4-1 and now advances to the Eastern Conference semifinals, where they’ll face the winner of the Knicks-Pistons showdown.

And leading the charge? None other than Jayson Tatum, who dropped 35 points, dished out 10 assists, and pulled in 8 rebounds — reminding the NBA why Boston is still the team to beat.

Tatum Is Back and Better Than Ever

After missing Game 2 with a painful wrist injury from Game 1, Tatum came back like a man on a mission — putting up three straight games with 35+ points.

In Game 5, he was absolutely sensational, going 10-for-16 from the field, including 4-of-5 from three, and a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line. The Magic had no answer for him — especially after Orlando’s star Paolo Banchero was sidelined with foul trouble early in the third.

Tatum’s leadership and skill are why Boston fans are dreaming of another championship parade.

Magic Collapse After Banchero Benched

The turning point came midway through the third quarter when Paolo Banchero — Orlando’s best hope — picked up his fifth foul in just 79 seconds after already being saddled with four.

Magic coach Jamahl Mosley went ballistic, calling for a review. But the refs stood firm, and Banchero took a seat for the rest of the quarter. That’s when Boston struck.

In Banchero’s absence, Boston exploded with a 31-9 run, flipping a tight 51-47 deficit into a massive 83-62 lead.

“It definitely swung the game,” Mosley said afterward, clearly frustrated. “Your best player picks up his fifth foul in the third quarter? That was a game-changer.”

Cold from Three? No Problem!

Surprisingly, Boston didn’t hit a single 3-pointer in the entire first half — something that hasn’t happened since 2021. That’s especially shocking for a team that led the league in 3-pointers during the regular season.

But the Celtics didn’t panic. They adjusted, found other ways to score, and when Tatum finally nailed Boston’s first 3 early in the third, it ignited the team and the crowd.

“We just had to find different ways to win,” said head coach Joe Mazzulla. “This series forced us to play differently — and I love how our guys responded.”

Team Effort Gets It Done

While Tatum was the star, this was a true team win:

• Jaylen Brown added 23 points, attacking the rim with ferocity and playing solid defense.
• Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White, and Al Horford helped control the glass and keep Orlando off-balance in the paint.
• Even without Jrue Holiday (hamstring strain), Boston didn’t miss a beat — a sign of the depth and maturity of this playoff-tested squad.

End of the Road for Magic

Despite the loss, the Magic showed flashes of brilliance this season and this series.

• Franz Wagner led Orlando with 25 points and was their most consistent scorer.
• Banchero finished with 19 points, but foul trouble ultimately doomed his night.
• Wendell Carter Jr. had a solid double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

But in the end, their inexperience showed. The last time Orlando won a playoff series was in 2010 — a distant memory.

What’s Next?

Boston now awaits the winner of the Knicks vs. Pistons series, which is still ongoing. The Knicks currently lead 3-2, but the Pistons are clawing their way back into contention.

Whoever survives will have their hands full with this battle-hardened Celtics squad.

Celtics eliminate Orlando Magic – Celtics Are Back!

Game 5 wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. The Celtics are healthy, hungry, and heating up at just the right time. With Jayson Tatum back in MVP form and the entire roster clicking, Boston looks ready to defend its crown.

So buckle up, Celtics fans — the ride to Banner 19 is picking up speed!