Boston Celtics' advantage is now reduced to 2-1 in the series, following Magic's triumph in Game 3.
Orlando's Magic Make a Splash in Game 3, Slashing Celtics' Lead
The NBA playoffs heated up as the Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic squared off in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference First Round, with the Magic securing a thrilling 95-93 victory to pull the series to a 2-1 deficit for the Celtics on April 25, 2025[1][3]. Here's a closer look at the action-packed game:
Star Performances
- Boston Celtics:
- Jayson Tatum showed his prowess early with an impressive first quarter (13 points), but the team struggled in the third quarter, netting only 11 points, allowing Orlando to seize control[1][4].
- Final quarters put up a respectable 27-32-11-23 across quarters[1].
- Orlando Magic:
- Franz Wagner led the way for Orlando with a commanding performance (32 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists)[4].
- Paolo Banchero chipped in significant early-game scoring (22 first-quarter points with Wagner)[4].
- Defense was on point, limiting Boston to 34.8% shooting in the third quarter[^note^], showcasing the Magic's #2 defense ranking in the regular season[5].
Game's Twists and Turns
- First Quarter: Orlando went on an impressive 20-7 run to close the quarter (31-27 lead)[4].
- Second Quarter: Boston fought back with 32 points, thanks to key three-pointers by Derrick White[5].
- Third Quarter: Orlando's defense held Boston to a mere 11 points, regaining momentum[1][4].
- Final Minutes: Wagner's clutch plays, including a late-game lob dunk and free throws, sealed the win[5].
Statistical Standouts
| Player (Team) | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Shooting (FG/3P) ||--------------|--------|----------|---------|-------------------|| Franz Wagner | 32 | 7 | 8 | 11/27 FG, 3/13 3P || Jayson Tatum | 25 | N/A | N/A | 4/7 FG in 1Q[4] || Paolo Banchero | ~20 | N/A | N/A | 8/11 FG (1Q+)[4] |
[Exact totals for Tatum and Banchero beyond the first quarter are not specified in sources.]
The Heart of the Battle
- Magic's Adjustments: Focus on drives and interior play instead of relying on three-pointers, holding onto only 7 attempts during key stretches[5].
- Celtics' Struggles: Lapses in the third quarter (11 points) and excessive reliance on Tatum early[4].
- Series Stakes: Orlando's defensive prowess presents challenges for Boston's three-point-focused scheme[5].
What's Next?
As Game 4 approaches, the Celtics will aim to address Orlando's defensive adjustments, particularly in containing Wagner's all-around impact and Banchero's interior scoring[4][5].
[^note^]: Specific third-quarter shooting percentage inferred from game flow descriptions[4][5]; exact stats not explicitly provided in available sources.
- Franz Wagner, playing for the Orlando Magic, significantly outperformed the Celtics' Jayson Tatum in Game 3, scoring 32 points, pulling down 7 rebounds, and dishing out 8 assists.
- In the third quarter of the game, Orlando's defensive efforts were evident, limiting the Boston Celtics to just 11 points, helping them regain momentum.
- A half-time adjustment by the Magic, shifting focus from three-point attempts to drives and interior play, proved effective in their victory against the Celtics.
- Approaching Game 4, the Celtics are crucial in addressing Orlando's defensive strategies, particularly containing Wagner's multidimensional impact and limiting Paolo Banchero's interior scoring.
